Spring and summer are pawsitively perfect for outdoor adventures with your four-legged best friend. Longer walks, beach days, garden zoomies and sun-soaked cat naps are all part of the fun. But warmer weather can also invite some very unwelcome tag-alongs. Fleas and ticks. And when they arrive, things can get properly hectick.
Before you start scratching your head, relax. Keeping fleas and ticks off your dog or cat is easier than you think with the right know-how and the right products from the Bob Martin Clear Tick and Flea range.
The comb test for fleas
If your pet is scratching more than usual, it may be time to investigate. Run a flea comb through their coat or gently brush the fur upwards just above the tail base. Spot tiny jumping insects or black specks that look like ground coffee? That is flea dirt, made up of digested blood, and it is a clear sign that fleas have moved in.
Ticks are a different story
Unlike fleas, ticks do not jump or fly. They wait in long grass, shrubs and leaf litter, then latch onto passing pets. Once attached, they feed on blood and can remain on your pet for several days if not removed.
Ticks are commonly found around the ears, under collars, between toes, under the tail and in the armpit area. They often feel like small bumps on the skin and can easily be mistaken for a skin tag.
Beyond irritation, ticks can pose more serious risks. Heavy infestations may cause anaemia, particularly in smaller pets, and certain tick species can transmit deadly diseases.
Bob Martin’s consulting vet, explains, “Ticks are more than just a nuisance. Because they attach firmly and feed for several days, they can weaken pets over time and potentially transmit disease. Regular checking, especially after outdoor activity, and consistent monthly prevention are essential to reduce risk.”
Wash, treat, repeat
A tick and flea shampoo or dip is a helpful first step to remove visible parasites. However, these treatments do not offer long-term protection and should always be followed by a longer-acting solution such as a spot-on treatment, spray or collar.
Dr Jan adds, “Prevention is far easier than managing a full infestation. Consistent monthly treatment, combined with cleaning bedding and living areas, keeps parasite numbers under control throughout the year.”
The Bob Martin Clear Tick and Flea range includes powders, shampoos, sprays and spot-on treatments specially formulated for dogs and cats to help break the parasite lifecycle and prevent re-infestation. Do not let fleas and ticks turn your season hectick. With vigilance and trusted protection, parasites do not stand a chance.
Bob Martin HealthCare Plus helps protect the pets you love, helping dogs and cats live longer, for the longest time.
