Fleas and ticks are not just a summer problem in South Africa. They pose a year-round threat to pets and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
While many owners only act once they spot a flea or tick, by then an infestation may already be well established. Fortunately, modern prevention options make it easier than ever to keep pets protected.
Prevention is better than treatment
Seeing a flea or tick on your pet often means the problem has already spread.
For fleas, only about 5% of an infestation lives on your pet. The remaining 95% exists in the environment as eggs, larvae and pupae hidden in carpets, bedding, cracks in wooden floors and even your car. Flea pupae can survive for up to six months before hatching.
Ticks pose an equally serious threat. In South Africa, the kennel tick (Haemaphysalis elliptica) can transmit Babesia canis, which causes biliary and can become fatal within 24 to 48 hours if left untreated.
Other tick-related illnesses include tick paralysis and ehrlichia, both of which can have serious long-term health consequences.
More than just an itchy nuisance
Fleas and ticks can cause a range of health problems, including:
- Allergic dermatitis triggered by a single bite
- Anaemia in puppies, kittens and small breeds
- Tapeworm infections caused by swallowing infected fleas while grooming
- Flea bites and tick-borne illnesses that can also affect people
Preventative treatment typically costs between R150 and R400 per month, while treating biliary alone can cost between R5,000 and R15,000, with no guarantee of survival.
Choosing the right prevention
There is no single prevention method that suits every pet. The best option is one that matches your pet’s lifestyle and can be used consistently.
Chewable tablets
Chewable tablets are flavoured treatments given every one to three months. The active ingredient circulates in the bloodstream and kills fleas and ticks after they bite.
They are well suited to dogs that swim frequently, are bathed often or live with young children.
Benefits include:
- No residue or odour
- Cannot be washed off
- Long-lasting protection
One drawback is that ticks still need to bite before they die, although they typically die before transmitting most diseases.
Spot-on treatments
Spot-on treatments are liquid applications placed on the skin at the back of the neck each month.
They are ideal for pets that refuse tablets.
Benefits include:
- Easy to apply
- Some products also protect against intestinal worms
Owners should avoid bathing dogs within 48 hours of application, and children should not touch the treatment area until it has dried.
Flea and tick collars
Modern flea and tick collars provide protection for up to eight months using slow-release technology.
They are a practical option for families looking for long-term protection or for pets that are difficult to medicate every month.
To work effectively, the collar must be fitted correctly, allowing space for two fingers beneath it.
Sprays, shampoos and powders
While sprays, shampoos and powders can help eliminate fleas already on a pet, they provide very little ongoing protection.
They are best used during an initial clean-up rather than as a long-term prevention strategy.
Small steps make a big difference
Protecting pets against fleas and ticks does not require complicated routines.
Consistent preventative care can help avoid months of discomfort, prevent home infestations and reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening diseases.
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