Flea and Tick Prevention in Tuscany: A Few Things Every Dog Owner Should Know

Written By Isabella Marton

One of the things I love most about living and working in Tuscany is being surrounded by beautiful green spaces, from our local parks to the trails just outside Florence. But with all that nature comes a very real challenge for dog owners: fleas, ticks and other parasites.

These little creatures are more than just annoying and they can cause serious health problems if we’re not proactive. So I wanted to share some tips I’ve picked up through my work (and a lot of conversations with vets and fellow dog lovers).

Why Flea & Tick Prevention Matters

Fleas and ticks are incredibly common here in central Italy. Especially between spring and late autumn and they can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, tick-borne fever, or even tapeworms. Even dogs that mostly stay indoors aren’t completely safe, as these parasites can travel on clothes, shoes, or other pets.

When Are Fleas and Ticks Active in Tuscany?

While many believe ticks are only a summer issue, in Tuscany they can be active almost year-round, especially in urban green spaces like the Cascine Park, Boboli Gardens, or country trails in Chianti.

  • March to November: High risk period for both fleas and ticks

  • Winter: Ticks may still be active on warmer days or in dense vegetation

Effective Prevention Options

1. Monthly Spot-On Treatments

  • Examples: Advantix, Frontline Combo, Vectra 3D

  • How it works: Applied to the skin between the shoulders; spreads through skin oils

  • How often: Applied monthly

  • Pros: Water-resistant (but avoid bathing/swimming 2 days before/after)

2. Oral Tablets

  • Examples: NexGard, Bravecto, Simparica Trio

  • How it works: Absorbed into the bloodstream; kills ticks/fleas when they bite

  • How often:

    • NexGard, Simparica: Applied every month

    • Bravecto: Applied every 3 months

  • Pros: No mess, won’t wash off

  • Caution: Must be given with food

3. Collars

  • Examples: Seresto

  • How it works: Release chemicals like imidacloprid, flumethrin, or deltamethrin, which are toxic to ticks and fleas.

  • How often:

    • Replace about every 8 months

  • Caution: Work mainly to prevent parasites from attaching but may not kill existing ones

Home & Environment Maintenance

It’s not just about treating the dog, you need to treat your home and routine too:

  • Wash your dog’s bed and blankets

  • Vacuum carpets, sofas, and curtains regularly

  • Avoid tall grass and dense brush on walks

  • Do tick checks after every outing, especially behind ears, under armpits, and around the tail

Isabella Marton https://www.camminocanino.com