Table of Contents
Fleas - What, when, how
What attracts fleas to pets?
Where your pet walks
The house (environments that attract fleas)
Behaviour of your pet
How to treat fleas permanently
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Why does my pet keep getting fleas?
- By Dr Zoe Costigan
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- February 20, 2025
- 3 MIN READ
Fleas – they're the pesky little critters that can turn your pet's life into an itchy nightmare. If you've found yourself repeatedly dealing with fleas on your furry friend, you're not alone. If you’re sat wondering why does my dog keep getting fleas? Why does my cat keep getting fleas? Then wonder no more! In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of fleas, exploring what they are, what attracts them to your pet, and the various factors that contribute to this persistent problem. We'll also discuss how to treat fleas permanently, with a focus on Itch Flea treatment to help you prevent and protect your pets. By the end, you'll be armed with the knowledge to keep those fleas at bay for good.
Fleas - What, when, how
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including your beloved pets. They're most active in warm and humid conditions, which is why fleas tend to be more prevalent during the spring and summer months (i.e. peak flea season) These pesky critters jump onto your pet when they're outdoors or come into contact with other infested animals. Here's how to keep fleas away!
What attracts fleas to pets?
Fleas are drawn to pets for a variety of reasons:
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Warm-blooded hosts - Fleas are attracted to the warmth of your pet's body, making them an ideal target to hop on to.
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Carbon dioxide - Pets exhale carbon dioxide, which attracts fleas from a distance.
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Movement - Fleas are stimulated by the movement of animals, making your pet a prime target.
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Fur - Your pet's gorgeous fur provides an ideal hiding place for fleas.
Where your pet walks
Your pet's wonderful outdoor adventures can contribute to flea infestations. Fleas thrive in areas where other animals, like squirrels and hedgehogs, hang out. When your pet roams through these areas, they can easily pick up fleas.
The house (environments that attract fleas)
Fleas don't just live on your pet; they can infest your home as well. They lay eggs in your pet's fur, which then fall off and hatch into larvae and pupae in your living spaces. Fleas are attracted to:
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Carpets and rugs - Flea eggs and larvae often find a home in the fibres of your carpets and rugs.
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Furniture - Upholstered furniture can harbour fleas and their offspring.
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Pet bedding - Fleas love to hide in your pet's bedding (as well as your bedding), creating a continuous cycle of infestation - making it super important to regularly wash yours and your pet’s bedding (60°Cs everyone!).
Behaviour of your pet
Your pet's behaviour can also contribute to flea infestations:
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Social interaction - If your pet is a social butterfly and is a regular at places like the park with their pals, they can easily pick up fleas this way.
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Scratching - Pets that scratch excessively can inadvertently spread fleas throughout your home.
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Incomplete treatment - Inconsistent, poorly applied or incomplete flea treatments can leave your pet vulnerable to infestations.
How to treat fleas permanently
Itch Spot On Flea treatment is a vet approved, scientifically proven flea preventative treatment. It kills adult fleas within 24 hours and is comprehensive preventative treatment to keep those blighters at bay! Here's why Itch Flea is a game-changer:
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Advanced formula - Itch Flea Treatment features a formula that not only kills adult fleas but also targets eggs and larvae, breaking that pesky flea lifecycle!
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Long-lasting protection - Itch Flea Treatment provides month-long protection, ensuring that new fleas that come into contact with your pet are eliminated. You just need to remember to apply every month, without fail.
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Easy application - It’s super easy to apply, making it a stress-free experience for both you and your pet.
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Vet approved - Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats is licensed by the VMD, approved by vets, and scientifically proven to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
By using Itch Flea consistently, you can break the cycle of infestation and keep your pet flea-free for good.
Get the big guns out!
We understand that sometimes flea infestations are too big for spot-on treatment alone to handle. That's why if you can't remove fleas from your pet and home, we'd recommend our proven method to Get Rid Of Fleas with the Itch Flea Eradication Kit. We'll provide all the tools and advice you need to make sure fleas never bother you again!
Get rid of fleas and prevent them from coming back.
Is your home riddled with fleas?
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Flea
Treatment Issues
Why is my pet still scratching after applying a flea treatment?
Not all flea treatments are created equal. So it may be the treatment you used hasn’t done the job and you need to use something stronger. Itch Flea Treatment is a vet-strength, double action spot on treatment that not only contains Fipronil but also (unlike lots of other flea treatments), (S) Methoprene. Treatments that also include (S) Methoprene, like Itch Flea Treatment not only target the adult fleas feeding on your pets and kills them dead in 24 hours (and ticks in 48 hours), but also targets flea eggs and larvae, stopping the fast and furious flea life cycle dead in its tracks to stop new fleas developing.
We asked in-house Itch vet, Dr. Zoe Costigan to give us the lowdown on why your cat or dog might still be scratching after applying a flea treatment to your pet. Here's what she had to say:
“It’s fairly normal for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the active ingredients in a flea treatment take effect and this can cause an increase in your pet scratching. It should settle down after 24 hours. If after 24 hours your pet continues to scratch, there could be other things going on. Your pet could be flea-allergic, it could have a skin infection or a hormone imbalance, or other conditions which can lead to itchiness.”
Flea
General
What is the flea life cycle and how can you break it?
Fleas can turn into a massive headache for us, pet owners. Understanding the flea life cycle is crucial to effectively fighting off infestations and keeping your pets as well as your home flea-free. Scroll to see the flea life cycle, all four stages - egg, larvae, pupae and adult - and explore how you can break it to eliminate the pests.
Flea
Treatment
How to get rid of fleas
Fleas – those pesky little insects that can turn our furry companions' lives (and ours) upside down. If you've ever experienced a flea infestation, you know just how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. These tiny creatures are not only a nuisance but can also pose health risks to both pets and humans. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of fleas, from understanding their origins to effective methods for getting rid of them. So, if you're tired of the itching, scratching, and constant battle against the blighters, read on to discover how to reclaim your home and your pet's comfort.