Car and ute parasite checklist for Aussie pet owners

Introduction

Cars and utes carry sand, leaf litter and the odd hitchhiker. A small kit and a quick clean keep trips comfortable while prevention stays on schedule.

Pack this in the glovebox

• Tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers

• Spare dose if your due date lands mid-trip

• Poop bags, wipes and a small rubbish bag

• Old towel, spare lead and a collapsible water bowl

After beach, bush or park

• Quick tick check before the drive home: lips, ear edges, under collar, armpits, groin, between toes, tail base

• Rinse off sand and salt, then towel dry

• Shake out blankets and brush loose sand from mats

Weekly car clean (fast)

• Vacuum mats, seat covers and cargo liners

• Wash travel bedding on hot and dry well

• Air the cabin on sunny days

• Empty the vacuum outside

Ute-specific tips

• Shade and airflow for the tray; never tie pets to fixed points

• Dry the tray after rain to cut mosquito breeding

• Secure products out of sun and heat

Keep prevention steady

Dose a few days before travel so protection is active. Reset reminders from the day you give the dose. Treat every pet in the household on the same day.

Products we trust

• Dogs, monthly fleas and ticks: NexGard Chewables for Dogs

• Dogs, monthly all-in-one: Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs

• Cats, broad monthly: Revolution Plus Spot-On for Cats

Safety basics

• Never leave pets in hot cars

• Species matters. Never use a dog product on a cat

• Match weight band and minimum age every time

FAQ

Do chews wash off with swims?
No. Chews are not affected by water. Spot-ons need a dry period after application.

How often should I vacuum the car if fleas were a problem at home?
Daily for the first week, then weekly for three months while the home environment clears.

Need a travel checklist matched to your route and pets?
Share your dates and pet details and we’ll set it up with you — contact us.