A TOWN centres vets has reported a huge increase in the number of cases of pets with fleas in the past month.

The Vet surgery in the Cockhedge Shopping Centre has seen a threefold increase in pets with flea infestations in the last few weeks.

Clinical director Dr Bethany Birch has attributed what she labelled a ‘flea epidemic’ to a mild winter and hot spring, and has warned pet owners to be vigilant.

She said: “We’re only at the beginning of parasite season, which runs from May to October, yet flea infestations are booming.

“We’re seeing at least a third more cases now than we did at the start of May and it’s noticeably worse this year than in previous years, purely because the climate has been so mild.

“And not only that, we’re also witnessing a lot more of the allergic skin conditions in animals that are associated with fleas.

“It’s vitally important that pet owners are vigilant right now.”

Dr Bethany believes muggy and occasionally damp weather has seen fleas multiply rapidly, with the surgery offering free checks to combat the invasion.

She added: “Extremes of temperatures will typically kill fleas and their eggs, but we’ve had a really mild winter followed by an unseasonably warm spring and a muggy, humid start to the summer and that means fleas are in their element as they reach epidemic levels.

“Once your animal has had fleas there are probably eggs in your carpets, your sofas, your curtains and even in your bed – which can be off-putting to say the least.

“We’d advise people to spray their homes with a good, legitimate anti-flea treatment, which you can pick up from a veterinary clinic.

“If you do suspect you’ve got fleas in your home, remember that extremely high heat will kill both fleas and their eggs.

“Wash and dry your pet’s bedding and blankets on a high heat and do the same for any clothes that might have come into contact with the creatures.”