Summer often means longer walks, park visits, garden playtime and more opportunities for pets to enjoy the outdoors. But according to veterinary experts, the warmer months also bring a hidden threat that
many pet parents underestimate: ticks and fleas.
As temperatures rise, these parasites become increasingly active, making pets more vulnerable to infestations. While many owners view ticks and fleas as a minor seasonal nuisance, experts say they can lead to far more serious health concerns if left unchecked.
“Ticks and fleas are more than just a nuisance,” said Dr Deepak Saraswat, Head Vet at Zigly. “Ticks can transmit disease-causing organisms, and fleas can cause ongoing itching, skin inflammation, allergic reactions and secondary infections.” One of the biggest challenges, according to the expert, is that these parasites are not always easy to spot. Ticks often attach themselves in areas that are difficult to inspect, while flea infestations may remain unnoticed until they become severe.
“By the time you notice symptoms, you might already have a heavy parasite load,” Dr Saraswat explained. To reduce the risk, veterinarians recommend establishing a consistent tick and flea check routine during the summer months. Experts say just a few minutes of observation every day can help detect concerns early and support overall parasite prevention efforts.
Where Ticks Commonly Hide
According to Dr Saraswat, pet parents should pay special attention to areas where ticks are most likely to attach.
“The most common areas ticks are found are the ears, eyes, collar area, between the toes, under the front legs, around the groin and under the tail. These areas are warm and sheltered, making them ideal sites for ticks to attach and go unnoticed.” Because many of these spots are hidden beneath fur or difficult to see, experts advise relying on touch as much as sight.
Why You Should Use Your Hands Too
A quick visual check may not always be enough, especially for pets with dense coats. “Visual examination may not always be sufficient, particularly in animals with thick or long coats. Running your hands through the fur helps you find small bumps or attached ticks that may be missed otherwise,” the veterinary expert noted. Regular physical checks can often reveal parasites long before they become visible during grooming or bathing.
The Behavioural Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Sometimes pets show signs of discomfort before owners spot any actual parasites. Experts say excessive scratching, repeated licking, chewing at paws, frequent head shaking or unusual attention to a specific area of the body can all signal a possible tick or flea problem. “These signs often precede the appearance of visible parasites,” Dr Saraswat said. For pet parents, noticing these subtle changes early can make a significant difference in preventing larger infestations.
Turn Grooming Into A Health Check
Veterinarians also recommend using grooming sessions as an opportunity to inspect the skin and coat more carefully. “Regular brushing allows you to take a closer look at the skin and coat. It can help to find embedded ticks, flea dirt, irritated spots, or other changes that may need to be addressed.” Beyond keeping pets clean, routine grooming can become an important tool for early detection.
Don’t Overlook Your Home Environment
While many owners focus solely on their pets, experts warn that fleas spend a large portion of their life cycle away from the animal itself. “Make a habit of checking and cleaning bedding, blankets, carpets and sleeping areas to reduce the chances of an infestation in the home,” Dr Saraswat advised. Regular cleaning of pet spaces can help reduce the likelihood of fleas multiplying indoors and becoming harder to control.
A Common Mistake Many Pet Parents Make
Experts also caution against waiting until a tick or flea becomes visible before taking action. A widespread misconception is that pets on preventive treatment plans do not require regular inspections. However, veterinarians say prevention products and routine checks should work together rather than replace one another. “In reality, preventive products and routine checks work best when used together,” the expert said.
A Small Habit That Can Make A Big Difference
With parasite activity peaking during summer, veterinarians believe daily inspections should become as routine as feeding or walking a pet. “The best way to prevent parasites, in the end, is to make it part of your pet’s daily care,” Dr Saraswat said. A quick tick and flea check takes only a few minutes but can help identify possible problems early, keeping pets comfortable, healthy and ready to enjoy the season safely.
