Table of Contents
Taking your pet on holiday
Flea risk whilst on holiday
What to look out for
How to protect your pet from fleas whilst on holiday
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Fleas on holiday - How to keep your pet safe
- By Emma
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- September 18, 2024
- 5 MIN READ
Holiday mode for most of us is full relaxation and a time to recharge, but for our pets, it can be a bit more complicated. If you're taking your pet with you, there are a few things you need to keep in mind—fleas being one of the biggest concerns. These tiny critters are not only irritating for your pet but can cause some real headaches during what should be a stress-free break - carry on reading to find out!
Taking your pet on holiday
Taking your pet on holiday is a great way to enjoy quality time together, and it’s becoming increasingly popular as more than half of us are booking pet-friendly stays in Airbnbs. Whether you're hitting the coast, venturing into the countryside, or even going abroad, travelling with your pet makes it even more exciting.
However, we all know how important it is to be well-prepared before you set off. Of course, pack the essentials - pet food, water bowls, leads, toys, and their bedding. We’d advise going a step further and making sure their microchip information, vaccinations and treatments are up to date. Treatments like wormer tablets and flea preventatives should definitely be added to your to-do list before you travel - after all, it could be the difference between a pleasant holiday and battling an infestation.
Flea risk whilst on holiday
When you're away, your pet is exposed to loads of new and exciting environments, but it’s likely a lot of these places will be home to fleas. Fleas thrive in warm and humid conditions, which means that during the summer months, or if you're heading somewhere warm for a getaway, it’s pretty likely your pet will be at risk of a flea infestation.
Where can you find fleas?
Fleas can be found almost anywhere—holiday parks, beaches, country cottages, or even hotel rooms. Pets can also pick up fleas from other animals they meet—whether that’s another dog playing in the park, or even wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, or birds in the countryside. Fleas really aren’t worth the guessing game, —so don’t be lazy, take extra precautions to keep your pet safe.
Even if you’re holidaying somewhere no other pets are around, fleas can live in carpets, furniture, and outdoor areas, just waiting for a passing dog or cat to jump onto. These little nuisances are highly adaptive and can live for months in dormant states, just waiting for the right conditions—like your oblivious pet.
My pet is having their own trip away
In the chance that your pet doesn’t come on your trip with you, but they are going on an adventure of their own to boarding facilities, remember that kennels and similar environments can be a hub for fleas. Not sure how to tackle this? Read our guide for preparing your pet for kennels.
What to look out for
Spotting fleas can be tricky, especially if you're on holiday and not paying as close attention as you would at home. However, keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:
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Scratching and biting: The most obvious sign is excessive scratching, biting, or grooming. If your pet suddenly starts paying a lot of attention to a particular area—especially the base of their tail—it could mean they have some unwelcome hitchhikers.
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Flea dirt: This is flea faeces, and it looks like small black or brown specks on your pet’s fur. A good way to check for flea dirt is by running a fine-toothed comb through your pet’s fur, especially around their neck and back, and then wiping it on a damp white tissue. If the specks turn reddish-brown when wet, it’s likely flea dirt.
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Bumps or redness on skin: Flea bites can cause raised red bumps on your pet’s skin, particularly in areas where the fur is thinner. This is usually accompanied by some inflammation, and it’s worth checking spots like the belly, groin, and armpits for signs of irritation.
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Hair loss: Some pets, particularly cats, might over-groom to the point of losing patches of fur. This could be a response to the discomfort of flea bites, or an allergic reaction to flea saliva.
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Restlessness or agitation: If your pet can’t seem to settle, or they’re suddenly acting more irritable than usual, it’s worth considering that fleas could be the culprit.
How to protect your pet from fleas whilst on holiday
Now that you know what to look for, the best approach is to stop fleas from becoming a problem in the first place. Here’s how to protect your pet before, during, and after your holiday.
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Treat before you travel
Before you head off on holiday, make sure your pet is up to date with flea treatments. There are plenty of effective options available—spot-on treatments, flea collars, tablets, and even injections that protect your pet for months at a time. Try the Itch Flea treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea treatment for Cats or for simple, effective and convenient protection for your pet.
Aim to administer the flea treatment on your pet at least a few days before you leave, this means it will for sure be ready to kill any fleas that come your way. To ensure 100% effectiveness when applying flea treatment, follow our Itch house rules:
Keep ‘em dry. Your pet can’t get wet for 48 hours.
Don’t touch the treated area. Hands off.
No licking the treated area (your cat, not you…).
Don’t share your bed with your pet on the night your pet is treated.
Treat all your pets in your household at the same time, ideally in the evening.
Weigh your pet regularly and tell us about any changes so that we can adjust their dose.
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Check your accommodation
If you’re staying in a pet-friendly hotel, cottage, or campsite, it’s always a good idea to do a quick check of the space when you arrive. Look for any signs of fleas—particularly in areas where previous pets may have slept. Even if the accommodation is clean, it doesn’t hurt to give it an extra vacuum or wipe-down, particularly in carpeted areas or soft furnishings where fleas may lurk.
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Regular grooming
While on holiday, make grooming a part of your daily routine. A quick brush or comb through your pet’s fur can help you spot any fleas before they have a chance to settle in. Using a flea comb specifically designed to catch fleas is a great way to check for any signs of trouble. You can also pack a small spray bottle of water mixed with a few drops of pet-safe essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) as a natural flea repellent.
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Wash bedding and blankets
Wherever your pet sleeps—whether it's in their own bed or in yours—make sure to wash their bedding regularly. If possible, bring along their own blankets or bedding that can easily be cleaned, and try to wash them at least once during the holiday to remove any potential flea eggs or dirt. Fleas love soft, warm areas to lay their eggs, so keeping your pet’s bedding clean is crucial.
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Avoid high-risk areas
Although it might be tempting to let your dog run through fields of tall grass or let your car play with other kitties, these are common places where fleas can be picked up. If you’re in an area known for wildlife or stray animals, consider keeping your pet on a lead or avoid these areas completely.
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Post-holiday check
Once your holiday is over, don’t relax just yet! Give your pet a thorough post-holiday check for fleas. Even if you’ve been vigilant, fleas can still sneak through. Groom your pet carefully and keep an eye out for any of the signs mentioned earlier.
Fleas may be small, but they can cause a lot of hassle, especially when you're on holiday. By preparing in advance and taking a few extra steps while away, you can make sure your pet stays flea-free and enjoys the holiday as much as you do.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these little blighters. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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