Flea Explosion? It’s Not Your Pet’s Medication—It’s the Weather
By: Dr. Jim DeLano, DVM
After the coolest summer the Bay Area has seen since the 1960s, many pet owners were breathing a sigh of relief: no scratching, no flea sightings, and no signs of infestation. But that sense of security was short-lived. In the past six weeks, with multiple heat waves, fleas have come roaring back—and fast.
What Happened?
Flea eggs need warmth and humidity to hatch—typically 70–85°F with at least 50% humidity. This summer’s unusually cool weather kept flea development at a standstill. But those eggs didn’t die—they waited. Now, thanks to recent heat spikes, those dormant eggs hatched all at once, creating a massive surge in flea activity across homes, parks, and neighborhoods.
"My flea meds aren't working!"
We’ve heard this from many pet owners recently—and we get it. But here’s what’s really happening:
- Most modern flea preventatives work after the flea bites your pet, not before
- So yes, you may see fleas—but they’re dying once they ingest the medication
- That doesn’t mean the product failed; it means it’s doing its job
- Prescription products remain highly effective—but fleas must be exposed to them
What about over-the-counter (OTC) flea products?
Many non-prescription topicals have been on the market for 15–20 years or more. Unfortunately, flea resistance to these products is widespread. You might be applying them religiously—but they’re often no longer effective.That’s why we recommend prescription-only preventatives.
These products are:
- More thoroughly tested
- Target multiple life stages of fleas
- Often protect against other parasites as well
New: One Injection = One Year of Protection
Introducing Bravecto® Quantum, a new injectable flea and tick preventative for dogs:
- Just one injection lasts 12 months
- Kills fleas and ticks continuously
- No pills, no monthly reminders, no gaps in protection
- A game-changer for busy households and dogs who don’t like oral meds
Pair It With Sentinel for Complete Protection
Take Action Now!
- Seeing fleas? Don’t panic.
- Already using prevention? Stay consistent.
- Tired of monthly dosing? Ask us about Bravecto Quantum + Sentinel.
The recent outbreak isn’t about product failure—it’s about perfect storm conditions. We're here to help you reset, protect your pets, and get back to an itch-free home.Ready to protect your pet? Call us at (925) 866-8387 today to review their flea prevention plan!
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