School holidays with kids and pets: parasite tips
Introduction
School holidays mean parks, beaches, sleepovers and travel. Parasite routines slip just when exposure rises. Use this quick guide to keep protection steady.
Home base checklist
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Cover sandpits when not in use and refresh sand if it smells musty
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Pick up dog poo daily and bin it
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Handwashing after gardening, sand play or handling pets
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Keep pet bedding clean and dry
Out and about
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Do a tick check after bush tracks and coastal walks: lips, ear edges, under collar, armpits, groin, between toes, tail base
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Pack a tick tool or fine-tipped tweezers in the car
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If staying with friends or family, confirm their pets are on prevention
Stay on schedule
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Put the dose date in your phone for the school holiday window
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Pack the next dose if the due date falls while you’re away
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Treat every pet on the same day so no one is missed
Safety around kids
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Apply spot-ons when kids are busy elsewhere and allow dry time per the label
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Store products out of reach
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Never use a dog product on a cat
Products we trust
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Dogs: Bravecto Chew for Dogs — long-acting flea and tick control, fewer dates to remember
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Dogs: Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs — monthly protection that also includes heartworm prevention and common intestinal worms when used as directed
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Cats: Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats — monthly spot-on with broad cover when used as directed
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Cats: Revolution Topical Solution for Cats — monthly fleas and mites with heartworm prevention
FAQ
Kids and pets are at the beach every day. Will swimming wash protection off?
Chews are not washed off by water. Spot-ons need a dry period after application, so plan baths and swims around dose day.
What if a child touches the spot-on site?
Wipe hands and follow label advice. Apply high on the neck where pets cannot lick and keep kids away until dry.
Need a school-holiday dosing plan that fits your itinerary?
Tell us your dates, destination and pets’ details and we’ll map a simple schedule — contact us.
Also in Dr. Feargus’ Australian Pet Health Blog
Pet dental care at home | Easy brushing guide
A simple Australian guide to brushing your dog or cat’s teeth. What you need, step‑by‑step instructions, and when to see your vet.
How often should you treat your dog for fleas in Australia?
A simple schedule for flea prevention in Australian dogs. What to use, how long to treat, and how to stay on time—even if you already have fleas at home.
Travelling tradies with dogs: parasite guide
A road-ready parasite plan for tradies and their dogs. Ute and site hygiene, packing list, dose timing, and trusted product picks.
