Fleas and ticks: protecting your dog and cat all year round

With Greece's mild winters, fleas and ticks never fully take a break. That's why most vets recommend protection all year round, not just in summer.

Why it matters

• Ticks spread diseases such as ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis, which are common in Greece and can become dangerous.
• Fleas cause itching and allergic dermatitis, spread tapeworm, and can cause anaemia in small animals. A single flea lays dozens of eggs a day in your home.

The options

• Long-lasting collars
• Spot-on drops, usually monthly
• Chewable tablets, lasting one to three months

Which one suits your pet depends on the animal, its lifestyle (e.g. whether it swims) and whether there are children or other pets at home. Your vet will also suggest protection against sand flies, which spread leishmaniasis.

Never use a dog product on a cat. Many contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats. Take care in homes where a dog and cat sleep together.

How to remove a tick

1. Use a tick hook or fine tweezers.
2. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible.
3. Twist or pull steadily, without squeezing it.
4. No oil, alcohol or flames on it.
5. Clean the spot and wash your hands.

When to see a vet

If after a tick bite your dog has a fever, is tired, won't eat, has pale gums, nosebleeds or dark urine. Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed with a blood test.

Book a deworming and parasite check and ask your vet about the right schedule. If the itching won't stop, see what could be behind itching.

Frequently asked questions

Does an indoor cat need flea treatment?

Fleas get into homes on clothes, shoes or other pets. Ask your vet about the right routine for an indoor cat.

How often are spot-ons or tablets given?

Depending on the product, from monthly to every three months. Collars last longer. Follow your vet’s advice.

Can I bathe my dog after a spot-on?

It’s usually recommended to wait a few days before and after bathing. Check the product instructions.