The end of the UK’s longest heatwave won’t only dampen the mood of the nation but will create the optimum breeding conditions for fleas, in what could become a flea epidemic, according to experts.

Pets at Home is warning unprepared pet owners ahead of any imminent rainfall to treat their pets against fleas, as the environmental conditions needed for flea eggs to hatch will be in perfect alignment.

Flea eggs can lie dormant during cold weather and will hatch when conditions are warm and humid. The moisture in the air that comes with rainfall is necessary for eggs to hatch and continue their life cycle, from which point they will multiply rapidly and can quickly become out of control if homes and pets are not protected.  

Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, Head of Pets, for Pets at Home, has advised pet owners to check their home, as well as their pet, for a flea infestation, as fleas can live within bedding as well as soft furnishings used by the whole family.

Maeve says: “While the risk to a pet varies from animal to animal, it’s possible for a pet to become infested after missing just one preventative treatment. The great weather might have lured some owners into thinking their pets could be flea-free, but infestation can cause real suffering for pets causing them to scratch themselves and can result in hair loss or a secondary skin infection.

|Whilst it is recommended to seek regular treatment as a precaution, even during cold seasons, it is never too late to take action against fleas, especially before the rain begins.”

Pets at Home’s flea treatment subscription service now makes it easier for pet owners to prevent their beloved cat or dog from catching fleas.

Advantage flea treatment starts from £4 per month, or from £5.50 per month choose Frontline Plus, which not only kills fleas, ticks and biting lice, but also protects your home as it stops eggs from hatching, therefore breaking the flea life cycle.

The subscription can be set up in store or online by visiting http://www.petsathome.com/subscribeandsaveflea.