September may be right around the corner, but here in Southern Illinois, it definitely doesn't feel like fall yet!

With plenty of HOT weather sticking around as we head into September, flea and tick protection shouldn't disappear with the summer calendar. Warm weather means our dogs are still spending plenty of time outside — running through the yard, hiking, camping, hunting and exploring all the places fleas and ticks like to hang out, too.

So before you pack away your summer flea and tick routine, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Flea & Tick Season Doesn't End with Summer

One of the biggest misconceptions about fleas and ticks is that once summer ends, the problem ends with it.

Here in Southern Illinois, warm temperatures can stick around well into September and beyond. Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions, and ticks can remain active into the fall — and even during mild periods later in the year.

That makes continued prevention especially important for dogs that spend time in tall grass, wooded areas, on trails, farms or acreage.

If you have a dog with an active outdoor lifestyle — hiking, hunting, camping or simply spending a lot of time exploring — we recommend talking with your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention and what they recommend for your individual pet.

Think About Flea & Tick Protection in Layers

We like to think about flea and tick protection as a layered approach rather than relying on just one thing.

For some pets, that may include a veterinarian-recommended preventative, especially for dogs with a higher level of exposure.

Other products can be useful additions to your routine depending on your pet and lifestyle.

Wondercide flea and tick sprays are one option we love at Pure Pet. Their plant-powered Flea & Tick Pets + Home sprays can be used on pets and around the home according to label directions. Wondercide also offers an Insect Repellent for people, which can help repel ticks and mosquitoes when you're heading outside, too.

Going hiking with your dog? Heading to the woods? Camping for the weekend? Flea and tick protection isn't just something to think about for your pup — don't forget about yourself!

One important note: if your pet is already using a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick medication, talk with your veterinarian before combining products. Wondercide notes that its products haven't been tested in combination with conventional flea medications.

Don't Forget About Flea & Tick Shampoo

A good flea and tick shampoo is another useful tool to have in your pet-care cabinet.

One of Amanda's favorites at Pure Pet is TropiClean Natural Flea + Tick Shampoo — and it's what she's holding in the photo above!

Flea and tick shampoos can be particularly helpful when you're dealing with an active flea problem or simply want another option in your flea and tick routine.

Bath time also gives you the perfect opportunity to really look through your dog's coat and check their skin for fleas, ticks, bites or anything else that seems out of the ordinary.

A shampoo doesn't necessarily have to replace your dog's regular preventative, either. Depending on your dog's needs, it may simply be another tool in your flea and tick toolbox.

If You Find Fleas, Think Beyond Your Pet

Unfortunately, the adult fleas you see crawling around on your pet are only one part of the flea life cycle.

Flea eggs can fall from your pet into bedding, rugs, furniture and other areas where your pet spends time. Fleas develop through several life stages, which is why an established flea problem often requires addressing both your pet and their environment.

That can mean washing pet bedding, vacuuming frequently, treating other pets in the household appropriately and addressing areas of the home where fleas may be developing.

If you're struggling with an active infestation or aren't sure which treatment is appropriate for your pet, your veterinarian is a great resource.

Keep Checking for Ticks This Fall

No product replaces a good old-fashioned tick check.

After your dog spends time outdoors — particularly in tall grass or wooded areas — take a few minutes to run your hands over their body and look through their coat.

Pay extra attention to:

  • Around and inside the ears
  • Around the neck and under collars
  • Between the toes
  • Under the front and back legs
  • Around the tail
  • Thick or tucked-away areas of the coat

It's a simple habit that only takes a couple of minutes and is worth continuing even when our temperatures finally start feeling a little more like fall.

Finding the Right Flea & Tick Routine for Your Pet

At Pure Pet, we know many pet parents are looking for a more natural and thoughtful approach to the products they use on and around their pets.

But it doesn't have to be all or nothing.

Veterinarian-recommended preventatives, flea and tick sprays, shampoos, environmental care and regular tick checks can all have a place in a pet's flea and tick routine.

Every pet is different. A dog who spends most of the day snoozing on the couch may have very different exposure than a dog spending every weekend running through the woods of Southern Illinois.

We're always happy to show you the flea and tick products we carry, explain how they're intended to be used and help you find options that fit your pet's lifestyle.

And with HOT Southern Illinois weather sticking around as we head into September, don't pack away that flea and tick routine with the summer gear just yet. 💚🐾