Many pet owners in South Africa mistakenly believe that fleas are only active during the summer months, but this a dangerous myth that can leave your home, your family and your pets vulnerable to a full scale flea assault in Spring!

The reality is that fleas are extremely resilient creatures and remain active during the winter months, able to lay hundreds of eggs within a couple of days. In fact, their chances of survival are enhanced during winter, when we warm our homes with underfloor heating and heaters, creating the perfect breeding ground for these home invaders.

Left untreated during the winter months, fleas are able to breed undisturbed and unchecked, growing rapidly in numbers. And, having survived a cosy winter in your home, hundreds of eggs will be ready to hatch with the first rainfall and warmer conditions of spring, causing a massive infestation in your home. This could take several months to treat and clear, causing untold harm to your family and your pets.

The hazards caused by fleas can seriously affect the quality of life of your pets - and that of your family, often resulting in the following:

• Hair loss in dogs and cats due to intense itching and scratching caused by the flea infestation;
• Flea Allergy Dermatitis – an unpleasant skin condition caused by an allergy to the flea's saliva;
• Anemia in young dogs and cats due to the large amount of blood loss caused by the blood-sucking parasites.

So, don't let down your flea defences this winter to ensure that your spring cleaning won't involve waging war on a flea invasion in your home! 

For more information on both fleas and ticks and how to protect your pets and your family this winter visit frontlineplus.co.za or call 0860 637 425.