Spring Flea Prevention for Pets: Stay Ahead This Season
Spring has sprung and so have the fleas! Warmer weather brings longer days, blooming flowers and unfortunately, a surge in flea activity across Aotearoa. These pesky invaders thrive in heat and humidity, but are active year-round — they just speed up in spring. Whether you’ve got a curious cat who loves lounging in the garden, or an adventurous dog who’s always exploring, consistent flea protection is a must. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re here to help you stay one step ahead of fleas this season.
Why Fleas Flare Up In Spring
In New Zealand's temperate climate, fleas can survive year-round, especially indoors. But spring’s warmer, humid conditions trigger a boom in flea populations. Eggs begin to hatch after lying dormant during winter, and flea numbers can explode quickly — with a single flea laying up to 50 eggs a day!
Without prompt action, this can lead to infestations not only on your pet, but also in your home. Symptoms include excessive scratching, red or irritated skin and the presence of “flea dirt” (which looks like black pepper in your pet’s fur).
Consistency is the key
The golden rule? Don’t wait for signs of fleas. Flea treatment should be consistent year-round, not just when the weather warms up. Staying on track helps break the lifecycle and protect both your pet and your family. Choosing the right treatment will depend on your pet’s age, size, lifestyle and existing health conditions.
Some of our most trusted options include:
- Bravecto for dogs – choose from a 3 month chew or 6 monthly tropical treatment against fleas.
- NexGard – a popular monthly oral treatment for dogs that also helps fight ticks.
- Revolution Plus – ideal for cats, offering protection against fleas, ticks and some worms.
If you’re unsure which is right for your furry friend, speak with your vet and check out our full flea and worm collection for trusted and effective brands.
Don’t Forget Flea Treatment For All Pets
Fleas aren’t picky. Even indoor cats, senior dogs or small pets can fall prey if another animal brings fleas into the home. Be sure to treat all pets in your household, as fleas can spread quickly and don’t just stay on pets — they live in your environment too.
Cats can be especially sensitive to some treatments made for dogs, so it’s important to choose a flea treatment just for cats, and vice versa. For puppies and kittens, ensure you’re using age-appropriate options from brands that cater to young pets’ needs, such as Frontline or Advocate.
Clean Your Pet’s Environment
Controlling fleas isn’t just about treating your pet — it’s also about tackling the environment. Fleas can live in your carpet, furniture, pet bedding and anywhere your pet likes to hang out.
Include these steps in your flea-fighting plan:
- Wash pet bedding and blankets in hot water weekly
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly
- Consider using a household flea spray in problem areas
- Keep lawns mowed and garden areas clear of long grass
It’s also a good idea to consider new bedding, especially if your pet’s favourite spots are due for an upgrade.
Combine Flea Control With Overall Health Support
When your pet’s immune system and skin barrier are healthy, they’re better placed to recover from flea bites and irritations. Boost their wellbeing with high-quality nutrition and supplements:
- Omega-rich food from brands like ZIWI or Orijen
- Skin support supplements like those found in our Skin & Coat Health range
- Probiotics and digestive support from our all pet supplements collection
These extra supports go paw in paw with your flea prevention efforts, helping your pet look and feel their best.
Sign Up For Autodeliver To Stay Protected
Busy life? We hear you. When the flea calendar gets forgotten, infestations sneak in. With Petdirect's Autodeliver, your flea treatments and pet essentials arrive just when you need them — with a handy discount to boot!
And don’t forget to join our Pet Perks loyalty programme for exclusive rewards, and earn Airpoints™ while you shop.
Final Thoughts: Flea-Free Starts With You
Spring should be all about sunny strolls and furry cuddles – not scratching and biting. Consistent flea and worm protection, plus environmental control, helps keep your pets and your family safe. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re here with everything you need to stay flea-free year-round.
Ready to get ahead of the fleas? Explore our flea & worm collection now or stock up on health-boosting supplements to keep your pet in top spring shape!