
Most dog parents believe winters to be a sigh of relief against flea and tick infestations. However, it’s not the case, as fleas and ticks are never out of season and constantly loom over your dog, looking for the chance to infect them. Thus, thinking that it’s a summer problem, you cannot pull back on the flea treatment for your dog during winter.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how fleas and ticks can infect your beloved doggo even in winter. Plus, we’ll cover some steps you can take to protect your beloved pet all year round.
But, before that, let’s quickly stroll through the fundamentals.
Are Fleas and Ticks Active in Winter?
Absolutely yes! Fleas and ticks are active in winter and pose the same danger to your four-legged companion as they would during summer. The flea and tick season typically falls between early spring and late fall. The warmth and humid conditions of these months are ideal for fleas and ticks to thrive, making them highly active and dangerous.
However, it’s crucial to know that in various regions, fleas and ticks can remain active throughout the year. Moreover, they can easily find refuge in warm indoor environments such as your home regardless of the outside temperature, where they can continue to breed and infest your pet even during colder months. So if you’re wondering whether your dog can get fleas and ticks in winter, well, it’s possible. Thus, it’s imperative to continue flea and tick treatments working for your pooch during winter as well.
How Can Fleas and Ticks Infect Your Dog in Winters?
There are several ways fleas and ticks can make it into your home and infect your beloved dog. Such as,
Indoor environment: Fleas and ticks can survive indoors, especially in warm and humid areas of your home. They can hide in your bedding, carpets, and furniture and infect your dog when they come by.
Human carriers: Fleas and ticks can hitch a ride on the clothes and shoes of your visitors. Once inside the house, they can easily transmit to your dog and infest them.
Contact with an infected pet: Another way fleas and ticks can get to your dog is by coming into contact with an infected pet while playing in the park or interacting with a pet of a fellow pet parent.
Wildlife: Quite often fleas and ticks are brought in by animals such as squirrels, raccoons, or even stray cats. These animals can drop these parasites in your yard, where your dog may pick them up.
Eggs and larvae: Flea eggs and larvae can survive in the nooks and crannies of your home and hatch when the conditions are right, causing a full-blown infestation.
Measures to Prevent Flea and Tick Infestations in Winters
Preventing flea and tick infestations requires a proactive approach. Here are some effective measures to keep your dog safe this winter.
- Practice regular grooming by brushing your dog’s hair and checking for signs of flea or tick infestation.
- Keep up with vet visits and administer vet-recommended flea and tick treatments such as Nexgard for Dogs, Bravecto for Dogs, Simparica Trio for Dogs, or Seresto Collar for Dogs.
- Regularly vacuum your sofas, carpets, and furniture, and focus on the areas where your dog spends most time. Also, wash your dog’s bedding and toys in hot water to kill any fleas or eggs.
- During walks, avoid heavily wooded areas and keep your yard clean and free of debris.
- Pay attention to the outside visitors and your dog’s interactions with them.
Parting Words
By understanding how fleas and ticks can survive and thrive even in colder months, you can take proactive steps to protect your furry friend. Keep in mind the preventive measures to keep these nasty parasites at bay. With the right approach, you can keep your beloved doggo protected and comfortable throughout the year.