Nicky

Nicky

SQP Pet Wellness Warrior, Professionally trained in Veterinary Medicines Advice

Mostly writes about

The flea life cycle and veterinary medicine advice

Profile

Nicky has been at Itch Pet right from the very start. She heads up our Customer Excellence team but she has worked in many different roles and can quite literally do it all. Nicky's longevity at Itch and vast experience means her knowledge is her superpower! Nicky is an accredited Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) in Companion Animal, meaning she is legally registered and authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate UK to prescribe and supply specific treatment to cats and dogs. As an SQP, Nicky is a trusted professional who is trained in wider aspects of animal health and welfare, so she’s exactly who you want on the other end of the phone when you call us about your pet. With 10 years years of experience in pet wellness, Nicky has an in-depth understanding of treating flea infestations, preventative treatments and most importantly, breaking the flea life cycle. She is the best pup-mum to trouble maker, Fenrir who is named after the Norse God of Chaos. And we can confirm, Fen certainly lives up to his name.

Latest Articles

Flea Treatment Issues
Treating fleas on dog with flea comb

How to get rid of fleas on dogs when nothing works

If you're struggling to get rid of fleas on your dog and feel like you've tried everything but nothing works, you're certainly not alone. Fleas are one of the most frustrating parasites pet owners face. They multiply quickly, hide in your carpets, and can survive in your home long after you've treated your pet.

You might think your dog's flea treatment has failed, this could be because handful of reasons from incorrect application to not treating the areas the fleas lay their eggs. Keep reading to find out why you're finding it difficult to break the flea life cycle and the most effective treatments that clears fleas in the home, for the best results of being flea free!

6 MIN READ
Flea Identification

Fleas in a house with no pets? Simple steps to kill fleas in your home

If you’ve ever found yourself itching and wondered “Hang on… Do I have fleas? How's this happened?!" - You’re not alone. It’s one of those situations that feels both confusing and slightly insulting. No cat, no dog, no rabbit… Yet these tiny jumpy menaces seem to have set up camp in your carpet. Take a deep breath. Resist the urge to set fire to the sofa. Let’s unpack what’s really going on. Keep reading to find out how instantly remove fleas from your home.

5 MIN READ
Flea Treatment, Treatment Issues

Do I need to treat my house if my dog has fleas?

No pet owner wants to deal with fleas. Knowing what areas to treat and when to use treatment is key to eradicating a flea infestation. You might have de-fleaed your pet, but have you thought about treating your home? Keep reading to find out how to kill fleas QUICKLY!

3 MIN READ
Q&A Flea
Table salt being poured on carpet full of fleas and flea eggs

Does salt kill fleas?

Answer
Flea Treatment, Treatment Issues

How to get rid of fleas you can’t see

Fleas are tiny and even though they are dark brown, they’re hard to spot. Fleas cause itching and scratching but since they’re tiny, fast, and excellent at hiding, you can’t always see what’s causing you and your pet discomfort. It’s also possible to have a flea infestation without showing these symptoms - Swipe down for an easy trick to tell your pet has fleas!

3 MIN READ
Flea Identification
White pet fur with finger pointing to flea dirt (aka black speck on dog fur that is flea faeces)

What are the black specks in my pet's fur?

Have you noticed some specks in your pet’s fur, do they look like black dirt? We’ll tell you all you need to know here!

2 MIN READ
Q&A Flea

What kills fleas in the house quickly?

Answer
Flea General, Prevention

What’s the worst month for fleas?

One flea can turn into 50 fleas in a matter of hours. Flea infestations are well and truly a full-blown nightmare. And we are more likely to deal with fleas at certain times of the year - In fact there is one month in particular that we need to prepare for! Everyone loves the warmer months and fleas are no different, keep reading to find out about peak flea season and how to protect yourself, your pet and your home over the summer.

4 MIN READ
Flea Treatment
Itch Pet experts advise you treat your pet and your home to get rid of fleas permanently

How to get rid of fleas permanently

Fleas are one of the most frustrating pests for pet owners and households alike. Once they settle in, they multiply quickly and can feel almost impossible to eliminate. The good news is that it is possible but it requires the right approach, consistency, and a bit of patience. Scroll for key steps you NEED to take in order to remove fleas fully from your home and pet!

3 MIN READ
Q&A Ticks & Lice

What helps draw a tick out?

Answer
Q&A Flea

What kills lice on pets?

Answer
Flea Identification

What are the black specks on my cat?

If you’ve been petting your cat and noticed tiny black specks in their fur, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns cat owners have and in many cases, those little black dots are closely linked to fleas and flea dirt.

Before you panic, let’s break down what those black specks might be, how to tell if they’re related to fleas, and what you should do next.

5 MIN READ
Flea Prevention
Black furry cat with white markings sat in the sun with monstera plants behind, at home.

How do I make sure I don’t get a flea infestation?

Ah, fleas. Tiny, jumpy menaces that seem to appear out of nowhere and turn your home into an itchy nightmare. Whether you’ve got pets or not, flea infestations are one of those problems you really want to avoid. And the best way to deal with them? Stop them before they ever start. Here's everything you need to know about keeping the little blighters at bay.

3 MIN READ
Flea Treatment

Can fleas live on bedding?

A clear sign of a flea infestation is your pet scratching more than usual, or finding the little blighters on your pet’s fur or in your home. Spotting fleas can be very simple but what about treating them? In order to get rid of fleas for good, you have to know where to the fleas will be. One of the common places they might be, is on your bedding. Scroll to find out how to zap dead all of fleas that are bothering your household and most importantly, how to prevent a full blown flea infestation.

5 MIN READ
Flea Treatment, General

Can fleas live on clothes?

Pet parents often think that finding fleas on a pet must mean they have got infected by a neighbouring cat or picked them up somewhere in the woods - whilst these assumptions aren’t wrong, there is another way fleas can infest your home… from you! Carry on reading to find out how fleas are nestling into your clothes and jumping on your pet.

3 MIN READ
Flea Treatment

What is the best flea treatment for dogs?

If you're a dog owner, you’ll know that fleas are an absolute nightmare. These tiny pests can turn your pup’s life—and yours—into an itchy misery. But don’t worry! With the right flea treatment, you can keep your furry friend flea-free and happy. Keep reading to be a flea expert and choose the best treatment for your pooch!

4 MIN READ
Flea General

Do pet fleas bite?

Ah, fleas. Those tiny, jumpy, unwelcome house guests that seem to have an uncanny ability to turn even the most well-groomed pets into scratching, wriggling messes. If you've ever found yourself frantically Googling "do pet fleas bite?" at 2 AM while scratching a mysterious itch on your ankle, then welcome to the club. Read on to find out where and how fleas bother you and your pet.

4 MIN READ
Flea Identification, General

What are dormant fleas?

Fleas are tiny, unwelcome guests that seem to appear out of nowhere, wreaking havoc on our poor pets and occasionally giving us a nip too. But what happens when you think you’ve dealt with them, only for them to stage a surprise comeback weeks (or even months) later? Keep reading to find out!

3 MIN READ
Flea Treatment

How long does it take to get rid of fleas in your house?

So your home has some lovely unwelcome guests... Fleas. Your cat or dog is more than likely scratching incessantly, or maybe you’ve noticed tiny, jumping critters making themselves a bit too comfortable on your sofa. Either way, you've got a flea infestation you want it gone – and fast! Keep reading to see how to quickly regain control of your home and for vet-recommended tips on speeding up this process.

2 MIN READ
Flea Prevention

Fleas aren’t just for summer: Why winter flea treatment is important

'Fleas can't bother me in winter?' Think again. Flea infestations can certainly happen in winter months, especially as we crank up the heating and our homes become warm and toasty. Let's dive into why fleas are a year-around problem, why it is important to maintain flea treatment in winter and most importantly, how to prevent them for good!

3 MIN READ
Flea Treatment

How to kill fleas for good

The persistent presence of fleas can have a knack for making our pets' lives itchy and uncomfortable. But don't panic! We are experts in pests that bother your pet. Keep reading for our vet-recommended tips and treatment options to get rid of fleas for good....

3 MIN READ
Flea Identification

Are fleas and ticks the same thing?

If you've ever found yourself wondering whether fleas and ticks are the same thing, you're not alone. These tiny creatures often cause confusion due to their similar size and the discomfort they bring to our furry friends. Scroll to find out the difference between fleas and ticks!

3 MIN READ
Worming Prevention, Prevention

How to stay safe from fleas and worms

If you share your home with a dog or cat, you’ll know that pets bring joy, muddy pawprints, and the occasional chewed shoe. But along with all that, they can also bring along some less-welcome tag-alongs: fleas and worms.

Keeping your furry friend protected doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of routine, the right products, and common sense, you can keep these pesky critters at bay.

4 MIN READ
Q&A Flea

Will putting items outside remove fleas?

Answer
Flea Prevention, Treatment, Treatment Issues

Can you ever 100% get rid of fleas?

Fleas. Just when you think they’re gone, another itchy bite appears or your pet starts scratching again. So do fleas eventually disappear? Yes they should but only if you treat your pet and home effectively. Flea infestations can last longer than you think though, so don’t expect fleas to clear up within a week. This will all make sense when you look at the flea life cycle - Scroll to take a look!

3 MIN READ
Flea Treatment

Why is it important to tackle flea eggs as well as fleas?

When most people discover fleas on their pet or in their home, their instinct is to focus on getting rid of the visible adult pests. However, while removing adult fleas is essential, it’s only half the battle. Flea eggs (tiny, white, and almost invisible) are the real reason infestations linger. If you don’t tackle the eggs, you’ll be dealing with fleas again and again, no matter how many adults you eliminate. Keep reading to find out how to kill flea eggs and break the flea life cycle for good!

4 MIN READ
Flea Treatment

How do I get rid of fleas in my car?

So, you’ve just jumped into your car for the morning commute, and before you’ve even turned the key. You glance down, and there’s a tiny speck hopping about on your jeans. Brilliant. Fleas. In your car.

Before you panic (or burn the thing to the ground), take a deep breath. Fleas in cars aren’t as rare as you might think, especially if you’ve got pets or have recently had one in your car. The good news is, you can get rid of them completely with a bit of effort and patience. Scroll to find out what is the best treatment to use in your car to remove 100% of fleas.

5 MIN READ
Worming Prevention, Prevention

Is my dog more at risk of fleas and worms at the kennels?

As much as we want to take our furballs everywhere with us, sometimes it's not always an option. For most of us, pet accommodation comes in handy for when we need our pooches to be looked after whilst we are on holiday - after all in the UK, we spend a whopping £3 billion on using kennels or catteries every year*. But as you hop on a plane, what happens if fleas hop on your pet?

3 MIN READ
Q&A Flea
Black and white dog, magnifying glass held over fur to inspect.

What do dog fleas look like?

Answer
Q&A Flea

Why are my fleas not going away after treatment?

Answer
Q&A Flea

Why do I need flea spray?

Answer
Flea Identification, General

Can fleas live on your furniture?

Fleas are a common nuisance in UK households, especially if you’ve got pets. But where are they hiding and what areas of the house should you be treating for fleas?

Yes, fleas absolutely can live on your furniture but they prefer warm, breathing hosts like your pet instead. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of fleas FOR GOOD!

3 MIN READ
Q&A Flea
White fluffy dog, side on, itching itself

How to get rid of fleas on dogs?

Answer
Flea Identification

Fleas or mites? What is causing my dog's itchy ears?

If you've noticed your furry friend scratching at their ears incessantly, you might be wondering what's causing all that discomfort. Itchy ears can be a sign of various issues, but two common culprits are fleas and mites. Keep reading to know how to spot a flea vs a mite, and how to protect your pup from these pests!

3 MIN READ
Itch Insights Pet Wellbeing

How to keep your cat cool in the summer

Just like us humans, many cats enjoy spells of warmer weather! However, they can also overheat and risk developing complications such as heat stroke. Cats more at risk of illness as a result of the mercury rising include very old or young cats, cats with a dense, fluffy coat and those with pre-existing medical conditions. 

Felines with flat faces (you might hear these being referred to as brachycephalic breeds) like Persian cats and Scottish folds also have a harder time regulating their temperatures because of their shorter nasal passages.

 Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do as a cat parent to keep your puss comfortable and extra chill in warm weather!

5 MIN READ
Q&A Flea

What spray kills fleas at home?

Answer
Q&A Worm

Can I crush my dog's worming tablet?

Answer
Flea Treatment Issues

Why can’t I get rid of fleas?

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’ve hoovered the carpets a thousand times, bathed your pet until he's eyeing you up suspiciously, sprayed every corner of the house, and yet - they are still scratching. Here’s why your fleas aren’t disappearing!

2 MIN READ
Q&A Flea
Black cat hairs with pipette squeezing out spot-on flea treatment liquid

How to apply flea treatment to your cat

Answer
Q&A Flea

How to apply flea treatment to your dog

Answer
Itch Insights Pet Wellbeing

How often should you wash your dog?

You love your dog - that's a given - but at times, they’re probably the most gross creature you’ve ever met. From rolling around in poop in the woods to burying dead seagull carcasses at the beach, they don’t do themselves any favours in the smell department!

In these cases it’s smart to stick them straight in the bath as soon as you get home. But how do you know when to give them a bath the rest of the time?

4 MIN READ
Q&A Ticks & Lice

What are the symptoms of ticks on dogs?

Answer
Q&A Worm

Do dogs need worming tablets?

Answer
Q&A Flea
Macro zoom on flea, on white bedding

What do fleas look like?

Answer
Flea Identification

5 ways to spot fleas!

Ah, fleas – the uninvited guests who think your pet’s blood is theirs to munch on. These tiny nuisances are more than just a bother; they’re a full-blown, hopping headache. But how can you tell if you’re dealing with fleas? Well, whether you’ve got a cat, a dog, or you’re just a worried homeowner, here are five tried-and-tested ways to spot the little blighters.

3 MIN READ
«
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
»