Fleas are a year-round problem in New Zealand. Our mild winters mean they never fully disappear, and numbers climb quickly as the weather warms up in spring and summer. If your dog or cat is scratching, or you've spotted a flea on the couch, this guide covers how to confirm it's fleas, why they're so hard to get rid of, and a simple plan to clear them for good.
Signs your pet has fleas
- scratching, biting or licking, especially around the lower back and base of the tail
- small dark specks in the coat, known as flea dirt
- red, scabby or bald patches
- restlessness, or a cat that's suddenly overgrooming
- rice-like segments around the bottom, a sign of flea tapeworm
- itchy bites around your own ankles
The paper towel test. Comb your pet over a damp white paper towel. If the black specks that fall out turn reddish-brown, that's digested blood, and you have fleas.
Why fleas are so hard to get rid of
The fleas you see on your pet are only the tip of the iceberg. Only about 5% of a flea population lives as adults on your pet. The other 95% are eggs, larvae and pupae hiding in carpets, bedding, furniture and cracks in the floor.
Pupae are protected inside tough cocoons and can lie dormant for months, hatching when they sense warmth or movement. That's why fleas often seem to come back a few weeks after treatment, and why moving into a house that's been empty can trigger a sudden flea outbreak.
A simple plan to clear fleas
- Treat every pet in the house. Every dog and cat, even the one that isn't scratching. Untreated pets keep the cycle going.
- Treat monthly, all year round. Stopping over winter gives fleas the chance to build up again.
- Vacuum often. Vacuum carpets, couches and hard floors several times a week, then empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and put it in the outside bin.
- Wash bedding hot. Wash pet bedding, blankets and throws on a hot cycle weekly.
- Be patient. It takes about 3 months of consistent treatment to break the full flea life cycle. Seeing a few fleas in the first weeks is normal. Newly hatched fleas jump on, then die.
Flea treatments we stock
All of these are monthly spot-on treatments that also cover worms, so one product does two jobs.
Moxiclear Flea & Worm Spot On for Dogs. Starts killing fleas within minutes of application, and kills flea larvae in your pet's surroundings too. It also covers lice, ear mites, mange and intestinal worms. Water resistant, so it's ideal for dogs that swim or get bathed often.
Moxiclear Flea & Worm Spot On for Cats. Applied to the back of the head, where cats can't lick it off. Available in 3 and 6 packs for kittens and adult cats. The 6 pack is a cost-effective way to keep cats covered right through summer.
PetScience Easi-Spot for Cats and PetScience Easi-Spot for Dogs. Contains selamectin and kills adult fleas as well as flea eggs and larvae, along with ear mites and roundworm. Safe from 8 weeks old, with a kitten and puppy size.
Not sure which suits your pet? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Applying a spot-on properly
- Weigh your pet and choose the right size. Under-dosing is one of the main reasons treatments seem not to work.
- Part the hair until you can see skin, then squeeze the whole tube onto the skin, not the fur.
- Remove collars until the spot is dry.
- For dogs over 25kg using Moxiclear, divide the dose between a few spots along the back, as the pack directs.
- Write the date down or set a reminder for next month.
A warning for cat owners
Never use a dog flea treatment on a cat. Some dog products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Even products from the same brand come in different strengths for dogs and cats. If you have both, keep the treatments separate and keep cats away from freshly treated dogs until the spot is dry.
Fleas and tapeworm go together
When pets groom, they swallow fleas, and fleas carry tapeworm. Most spot-ons don't treat tapeworm, so if you've had a flea problem, follow up with a tapeworm tablet containing praziquantel. Our guide to treating worms in NZ explains more.
Flea allergy and itchy skin
Some pets are allergic to flea saliva. For them, a single bite can cause days of intense itching, hair loss and sore skin, usually over the lower back. Strict monthly flea control is the most important step. Your vet may also recommend treatment to settle the skin while it heals.
Good nutrition helps skin recover too. Foods rich in Omega-3s from fish, such as Genius Ocean Fish, support skin and coat health. If itching carries on even when fleas are under control, food could be a factor. Our guide to dog food for sensitive stomachs and itchy skin can help you work it out.
Shop flea treatments
Browse our flea and worm treatments, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your pet. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, see your vet.