With a mild Spring/Summer on the way pet owners are being urged to treat their animals and homes to combat the emerging fleas and the problems that they can cause.

As temperatures rise flea pupae which have been lying dormant outside in the cold winter months are roused. The newly emerged fleas need a source of food and a pet is a prime target, providing a living blood bank. 24 hours after the flea’s first blood meal adult females start to lay eggs, which then drop off the animal into the environment including their bed and around the home.

Rachel Smithson, Veterinary Technical Manager at Merial Animal Health knows first hand the problems caused to pets when fleas are left untreated.

"The Met Office are predicting a mild May this year and as we know fleas love the mild weather. A flea’s life cycle varies from 12 days to 12 months but is completed faster when the temperature is warmer, so a mild spring spells trouble providing the warm environment and a perfect catalyst for fleas to reproduce!"

"The key to beating them at this time of year is to kill the adult fleas before they lay eggs. To do this owners should take their pets to their vet to be checked for any infestations and to receive the correct flea prevention advice and treatment. At the same time carpets and soft furnishings should be treated with a proprietary spray, to prevent re-infestation."

"Letting pets become infested with fleas can be damaging to the animal. The majority of all skin diseases suffered by cats and dogs are caused by ectoparasites including fleas. Up to50% of vets consultations during the summer months are for flea related problems."