Winter Flea and Tick Risks for Pets: Don’t Let the Cold Fool You!

Winter is around the corner. For pet parents, it may seem like a break from fleas and ticks, but the reality is different. These pesky parasites can survive the cold and still pose risks to your pets. Fleas can stay hidden indoors in warmth, laying eggs, and continuing their life cycle. Some ticks can remain dormant in winter, while ticks like black-legged ticks can still be active in extreme cold. Both can spread harmful diseases, making flea and tick control and prevention essential to protect your pets against them even during the colder months.

In this blog, we will discuss the risks that fleas and ticks pose to your pets during winter and how you can help prevent these parasites.

Let’s get started!

Risks of Fleas and Ticks in Winter

Fleas in Winter

Fleas can still be a problem during the winter months. While freezing temperatures may kill fleas if the temperature remains cold for long enough, this is not always the case. A female flea can begin laying eggs within 24 to 36 hours after biting your pet, and in just 30 days, she can lay up to 10,000 eggs. These eggs can end up in your home, such as under carpets or bedding, etc. Once hatched, flea larvae form a cocoon and can stay in it for up to 30 weeks before emerging as adult fleas.

Though the cold can slow a flea’s life cycle, it doesn’t completely stop it. Even if the adults die, eggs and pupae can survive in sheltered spots. Fleas often find warmth indoors and, the temperature between 70-85° F with about 70% humidity is ideal for their development. Your home provides a perfect environment for fleas to remain active.

Ticks in Winter

Ticks are parasites that survive by feeding on warm-blooded animals. The body heat of their hosts helps them to be active even in freezing weather. While ticks are cold-blooded and can’t regulate their body temperature, they don’t hibernate during winter. Instead, they enter in low-energy state when it gets cold. As the temperature increases, ticks become active again.

Can Pets Get Fleas and Ticks During Winter?

Yes, pets can still get fleas and ticks in winter. Here’s why:

• Fleas and ticks can stay in places like soil or leaf piles, waiting for warmer weather to become active again.
• Fleas can lay eggs under the carpets or furniture and hatch later, even if it’s cold outside.
• Fleas survive in warm, humid areas like your home. If you stop flea treatment in winter, they can start breeding and cause infections.

Do Pets Need Flea and Tick Treatment Year-Round?

Fleas and ticks can cause serious health issues, such as dermatitis, anemia, Lyme disease, etc., or even death if left untreated. Therefore, it is necessary to provide flea and tick treatment to pets year-round to eliminate these parasites from causing trouble. If you notice your pet showing signs like itching, redness, bumps, or scabs on the skin, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. They may provide treatments to prevent flea and tick infestations and recommend preventative measures to keep these parasites at bay.

Recommended Treatments for Flea and Tick

Here are the recommended treatments for flea and ticks for pets:

Dogs

For dogs, some effective options include Simparica Trio, which protects against fleas, ticks, and heartworm; NexGard, a tasty chew that kills fleas and various tick species; and Frontline Top-Spot a spot-on treatment that offers long-lasting protection against parasites.

Cats

For cats, Frontline Plus is a popular choice that eliminates fleas and ticks quickly. Revolution Plus is another great option that not only protects against fleas and ticks but also helps with heartworms and other parasites.

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Fleas and Ticks Prevention

Here are some of the preventative measures to protect your pet from fleas and ticks:

• Brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove fleas and ticks before they infest.
• Give your dog regular baths using a mild shampoo.
• Use flea and tick treatments approved by veterinarians, such as topical or oral treatments and collars.
• Vacuum your home frequently, especially where your dog spends the most time.
• Wash your dog’s bedding regularly.
• Purchase pet care supplies, including flea and tick treatments, for effective prevention. 
• Keep your yard clean and tidy.
• Avoid walking your dog in tall grass or wooded areas where fleas and ticks are more prevalent.
• Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Keeping your pet safe from fleas and ticks is important. We may think that they will be less active in winter, but they find a warm spot to survive and continue their lifecycle. To ensure effective flea and tick control and prevention, it’s essential to use effective antiparasitics. Understand how you can keep your pets protected against these parasites by consulting your vet.