You may not need to treat your pet regularly for flea, ticks or worms, instead you can take a risk-based approach to work out when you need to treat them.
Firstly get to know the medication you are using. Understand what parasites the treatments you are using target - often flea, tick and worming products are combined.
Avoid blanket treatment, instead consider the individual animal and their lifestyle. Book an appointment to speak to your vet about your individual pets' needs, giving them an overview of the type of animal they are and how they spend their time, so they can understand what risks your pet is exposed to.
Instead of using treatments to prevent fleas or ticks when it is unlikely that your pet will be exposed these parasites, try using treatments only when your pet shows evidence of having fleas or ticks.
Avoid spot-on products for pets which are likely to swim or be bathed - there are many tablet form treatments to choose from which will reduce the impact of the treatment on the environment. Recent advice from the British Veterinary Association backs this up: ‘owners whose pets enjoy swimming or are bathed, are being encouraged to consider using alternatives to topical “spot-on” parasite products wherever possible.’
Find out about parasite lifecycles and seasonality:
Fleas and ticks are more prevalent at different times of the year and in different areas.
High risk: Warmer months (March–October in temperate climates).
Lower risk: Winter months.
Regularly check for fleas and ticks
Every pet owner should know how to check for fleas so that treatment can be actioned quickly - find out more at the following links:
If you find evidence of fleas on your pet you can use a fine-toothed flea comb to remove pests and their eggs manually.
Learn how to protect your pet from ticks
It is important to Inspect pets frequently for ticks, especially after outdoor activity in long grass, just like you would yourself or your child.
Make sure you have a tick removal device at home or on your car/house keys ready for any removal of ticks that you find.
Keep things clean to prevent infestations
Vacuum carpets, floors, and furniture regularly (daily during a flea infestation) and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister to prevent re-infestation.
Wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and soft furnishings used by your pet in hot water frequently to reduce the chance of any parasites breeding and multiplying.