How to Keep Fleas Out of Multi-Pet Homes: Simple Steps for Kiwi Pet Owners

If you share your home with a mix of furry family members, you know that love multiplies — but unfortunately, so can pesky fleas. A single flea can rapidly become a household infestation when you have cats, dogs, or both under one roof. The good news? There are simple strategies to help you keep fleas out of multi-pet homes and protect your whole pack or clowder. Read on for expert, pet-loving advice Kiwis can count on.

Why Fleas Love Multi-Pet Homes

New Zealand’s mild climate means flea season can strike any time of year. In multi-pet households, fleas find plenty of opportunities to jump from one animal to another, especially when pets share bedding, toys or grooming tools. Once inside, fleas lay eggs in carpets, cracks, and cushions, turning your cosy home into a flea breeding ground.

Whether you have a Labrador, a Ragdoll cat, or both, fleas don’t discriminate — they’ll happily bite any pet with warm fur to hide in.

Step 1: Treat Every Pet At The Same Time

To get ahead of a flea problem, all animals in the home need to be treated with the right flea control — not just the one who’s scratching. Even if some pets seem flea-free, they could be hosting eggs or larvae you can’t see.

Choose a flea and worm treatment that suits each pet’s size, health, and species. You’ll find targeted options like:

• dog-specific flea treatments
• cat flea treatments including spot-ons and oral tablets
• Trusted brands like Bravecto, NexGard, and Revolution

Always follow the product instructions and check suitability, especially if your furbaby is very young, elderly, or has underlying health issues. If in doubt, speak with your vet for guidance tailored to your pets’ needs.

Step 2: Keep Bedding And Shared Spaces Clean

Fleas don’t just live on your pets — around 95% of the flea population is actually found in the environment in the form of eggs, larvae, and pupae. That’s why regular cleaning is just as important as topical treatments.

Focus your cleaning efforts on:

• Vacuuming daily, especially in corners and under furniture
• Washing pet bedding every few days in hot water
• Wiping down shared toys and grooming tools
• Using pet-safe odour removers to freshen high-traffic pet zones

Want to upgrade sleep spots for better washability? Browse our range of washable dog bedding and cat bedding solutions.

Step 3: Use Year-Round Prevention Products

Fleas might feel like only a summer nuisance, but in New Zealand’s temperate climate, they can lurk indoors all year. That’s why prevention is the best protection, even when you don’t see signs of fleas.

Monthly or tri-monthly parasite treatments can help stop infestations before they start. Many Kiwi pet parents find success using:

• Monthly spot-ons or oral treatments for dogs  and cats
• Health supplements to support skin resilience and a strong immune system
• Flea collars or skin & coat supplements that deter parasites

At Petdirect, we make routine care easy with our handy Autodeliver subscription service, so you’ll never run out of protection.

Step 4: Keep Pet Grooming Flea-Friendly

Regular grooming can help you spot flea dirt, eggs, or irritated skin early. Brushing also helps remove loose fur where fleas may hide, and distributes natural oils that support skin health.

Add some extra oomph to your grooming routine with tools like:

• dog brushes and combs or cat grooming tools
• flea shampoos for dogs
• Deodorising sprays from trusted brands like Odorex or Nature’s Miracle

If your pets don’t love bath time, a flea comb can still catch and control adult fleas during a cuddle session.

Step 5: Monitor With Smart Tech

To stay one step ahead, especially when pets roam outdoors, pet tech can be a game-changer. Consider:

• Smart pet cameras to monitor scratching or changes in pet behaviour
• Filtered water fountains to keep pets hydrated, which supports skin and coat health
• Enclosed litter boxes or auto-clean litter systems for flea control in multi-cat homes

At Petdirect, we’re all about smart solutions for modern pet families — because we get pet.

Final Thoughts: A Flea-Free Home Starts With Teamwork

Fleas might be small, but together we can outsmart them. By treating all pets, cleaning consistently, and using the right prevention plan, you can enjoy a peaceful, itch-free home for every wagging tail and purring pal under your roof.

Ready to build your flea defence plan? Explore our complete range of flea and worm treatments and pet cleaning supplies today. Plus, join our Pet Perks Loyalty Programme and earn rewards while protecting your pets!