As the summer heat starts to ease and we move towards autumn, many pet parents assume that parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms, and mites become less of a concern. But the truth is, these pests are a year-round problem, and late summer is a crucial time to stay vigilant about parasite prevention. Warmer weather and lingering humidity create the perfect conditions for parasites to thrive, and as the seasons change, parasites don’t just disappear. 

Understanding how these parasites affect cats and dogs—and how to protect your pet—can help prevent discomfort, illness, and even life-threatening conditions. 

Parasites do not have an off-season 

One of the biggest misconceptions about parasites is that they are only an issue in Spring and Summer. While infestations often peak in warm weather, many parasites continue to thrive well into Autumn, especially in milder climates. Fleas, for example, can survive inside homes throughout winter, and ticks remain active in many regions of Australia. 

According to Animal Medicines Australia (2023), rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions have extended parasite seasons, making year-round prevention more important than ever.

Ticks are a hidden danger in late summer 

Tick bites are more than just an annoyance—they can be deadly. Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are particularly dangerous, capable of causing progressive paralysis that can lead to respiratory failure and death if left untreated. 

These ticks are most active along the eastern coast of Australia from late summer through autumn, especially in bushy, grassy, and coastal areas. Symptoms of tick paralysis include: 

  • Weakness in the legs 
  • Vomiting or loss of appetite 
  • Difficulty breathing or excessive drooling 
  • A change in your pet’s bark or meow 

If you live in a tick-prone area, checking your pet daily is essential. Learn how to properly check for ticks in PetSure’s Pet Parenting Masterclass and read more about the risks of paralysis ticks here. 

According to PetSure claims data from 2022 to 2024, the average treatment cost relating to tick paralysis for dogs was over $1,000 with the maximum claim amount being above $24,000. For cats, the average amount claimed relating to tick paralysis was over $900 with the highest claim amount being above $5,400.  

Fleas are a persistent problem 

Fleas do not just cause itching—they can trigger allergic reactions, transmit tapeworms, and lead to severe skin infections in both cats and dogs. While flea populations explode in summer, they can survive indoors year-round, hiding in carpets, bedding, and upholstery. 

A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, meaning a minor infestation can quickly spiral out of control. Preventing fleas requires a combination of regular pet treatments, vacuuming, and washing pet bedding. Products like spot-on treatments, oral medications, and flea collars are all effective ways to keep fleas at bay. 

Worms are more than just a stomach problem 

Internal parasites like heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms are a serious concern for pet health. Some worms can even be transmitted to humans, posing a risk to families. Worm infestations can cause: 

  • Weight loss and poor coat condition 
  • Vomiting and diarrhea 
  • Lethargy and weakness 
  • Bloated stomach (especially in puppies and kittens) 

Deworming should be done regularly, as recommended by your vet, to protect pets from internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Preventative treatments help eliminate existing worms and stop reinfection. Heartworm, however, requires a different approach, as it is prevented rather than treated. Pets should receive monthly heartworm preventatives or a once-a-year injection to ensure continuous protection against this potentially fatal parasite.

According to PetSure claims data from 2024, the average treatment cost relating to parasite infestation was over $287 with the maximum claim amount being over $5,800.  

Mites are an itch that cannot be ignored 

Mites are tiny parasites that can cause serious skin issues in pets, including mange, ear infections, and hair loss. While some mites are naturally present in small numbers on healthy pets, infestations occur when their numbers multiply uncontrollably. Symptoms of mites include: 

  • Intense scratching and biting at the skin 
  • Patchy hair loss 
  • Scabs or crusty skin 
  • Head shaking (in cases of ear mites) 

If you notice these signs, consult a vet for diagnosis and treatment. 

What you need to do for year-round parasite prevention 

The best way to protect your pet from parasites is through consistent, year-round prevention.  

1. Use preventative treatments 

Make sure your pet is on a regular flea, tick, and worming schedule. Speak to your vet about the best all-in-one parasite protection products for your pet. Keeping up with these treatments is essential, and if you have myPetPass™, you can use your benefits to access flea, tick, and worm prevention. Learn more about how myPetPass™ supports pet parents in managing routine tick, flea and worm treatments here.  

2. Check your pet regularly 

Run your hands through your pet’s coat, paying attention to hidden spots like behind the ears, under the collar, and between the toes. Feel for any lumps or embedded ticks and look for signs of fleas or mites. 

3. Keep your home clean 

Vacuuming, washing pet bedding, and keeping your yard tidy can help minimise the risk of fleas and mites. Regular cleaning also removes flea eggs before they hatch. 

4. Know the parasite hotspots 

Some areas in Australia are parasite hotspots. If you are in a high-risk region, extra precautions—such as using tick preventatives and avoiding long grass—are essential. 

Sources 

PetSure Claims Data 2022–2024, Average treatment costs for tick paralysis in dogs and cats, PetSure. 

PetSure Claims Data 2024, Average treatment costs for parasite infestation in pets, PetSure. 

Animal Medicines Australia 2023, Parasite control in pets FAQs, Animal Medicines Australia, https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AMA-Parasite-Control-in-Pets-FAQs_FInal24May.pdf. 

Australia Wide First Aid 2023, Common parasites in dogs and their treatments, Australia Wide First Aid, https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/common-parasites-in-dogs-and-their-treatments. 

PetSure 2023, Protecting your pets from paralysis ticks, PetSure, https://petsure.com.au/knowledge-hub/protecting-your-pets-from-paralysis-ticks. 

PetSure 2023, Pet Parenting Masterclass: How to check your dog for ticks, PetSure, https://petsure.com.au/knowledge-hub/petsure-pet-parenting-masterclass-how-to-check-your-dog-for-ticks/. 

PetSure 2024, Putting pets at the forefront of One Health, PetSure, https://petsure.com.au/knowledge-hub/putting-pets-at-the-forefront-of-one-health/. 

PetSure 2024, myPetPass: Routine tick, flea and worm treatments, PetSure, https://mypetpass.com.au. 

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