Autumn Parasites: How to Protect Your Dog from Fleas and Ticks [2026]
Why is autumn the most dangerous season for parasites?
Many dog owners think parasites are only a summer problem. That is a mistake. Autumn - especially September and October - is one of the highest-risk periods for flea and tick infestations. Mild temperatures and increasing humidity create perfect conditions for these parasites to thrive, and walks through areas with fallen leaves, tall grass or countryside dramatically increase exposure risk.
Fleas in dogs: everything you need to know
How do I know if my dog has fleas?
- Intense, frequent scratching - especially at the base of the tail, abdomen and neck
- Excessive biting or licking of the skin
- Small black dots in the coat (flea dirt)
- Red or irritated skin patches
- In severe cases: hair loss or anaemia (especially in puppies)
The flea life cycle: why they are so hard to eliminate
Only 5% of fleas live on the dog. The remaining 95% - eggs, larvae and pupae - are in the environment: carpets, sofas, beds, floor cracks. Treating only the dog is not enough: you must also treat the home.
Flea treatments
- Spot-on pipettes: applied to the back of the neck, effective for 4-8 weeks.
- Antiparasitic collars: continuous protection for several months.
- Oral tablets: fast action (kill fleas within hours), prescribed by the vet.
- Shampoos and sprays: immediate but temporary effect, useful as a complement.
Ticks in dogs: real risk in autumn
Where do ticks hide?
Ticks wait in low vegetation - tall grass, bushes, fallen leaves - and attach to dogs as they brush past. They are especially active when temperatures are between 7 and 20 C, making autumn their favourite season.
How to check your dog after a walk
After each walk in risk areas, check these zones carefully: between the toes, inside and around the ears, around the neck and collar, armpits and groin, base of the tail, around the eyes.
Use the Dog & Cat Grooming Glove from DOGS & KATY to systematically check the coat while massaging your dog - you will easily detect any irregularity.
How to remove a tick correctly
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, without squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with a firm, steady motion - do not twist.
- Disinfect the area with antiseptic.
- Keep the tick in a container in case the vet needs to identify it.
- Monitor the area for the following days: if redness, swelling or fever appears, consult the vet.
Never apply petroleum jelly, alcohol or heat to the tick to try to make it release - it may inject more saliva and increase disease transmission risk.
Tick-borne diseases
Ticks can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. Prevention is the best protection.
How to protect your dog from parasites in autumn
1. Keep antiparasitic treatment up to date
Consult your vet for the deworming schedule. Generally, external deworming every 4-8 weeks and internal deworming every 3 months is recommended.
2. Check the coat after every walk
Especially after walks in vegetated areas. Daily brushing with the DOGS & KATY Grooming Glove lets you detect parasites early and keep the coat in perfect condition.
3. Treat the environment too
If you detect fleas, treat the home with a specific antiparasitic spray. Wash the dog's bed, blankets and toys at high temperature.
4. Use a harness for better control in risk areas
In areas with tall vegetation, the DOGS & KATY Adjustable Harness gives you greater control over your dog and prevents them from entering high tick-risk zones.
Frequently asked questions
Can fleas live on humans?
Dog fleas prefer animals but can bite humans if no animal host is available. They do not reproduce on humans, but bites can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
How long does it take to eliminate a flea infestation?
With correct treatment (dog and environment), 3 to 6 weeks. The complete flea life cycle can last up to 6 months, so consistency is key.
Can my dog get ticks even with a pipette?
Yes. No treatment offers 100% protection. The pipette kills ticks after contact but may take hours. Manual checking after each walk remains essential.
Do ticks die in winter?
Not completely. Some tick species are active even below 0 C. Antiparasitic protection should be maintained year-round.
Your autumn antiparasitic checklist
- External deworming up to date (pipette or collar)
- Internal deworming every 3 months
- Coat check after every walk
- Daily brushing with grooming glove
- Home treatment if infestation detected
- Vet consultation for any suspicious symptoms
At DOGS & KATY you will find the grooming and care accessories you need to keep your dog protected this autumn. Discover our collection.
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