This year, the summer has gone on for longer than usual. Mild balmy weather is continuing through October, with no sign of the first frosts. In the veterinary world, this is having one obvious effect: we are seeing more itchy cats and dogs at this time of year than usual. Two of the most common causes of itchiness are linked to ambient temperatures. The first cause is fleas. Despite more products than ever to kill these parasites, they continue to thrive, causing millions of animals to feel itchy. Traditionally, in Ireland, fleas stopped being so active from autumn through to spring. But the warmer climate now allows fleas to breed outside for longer, and this means that dogs and cats can easily pick up fleas when visiting areas frequented by other pets.