In short, yes, your dog needs flea and tick prevention during the winter months. While it’s true that tick and flea species slow down during the winter when outdoor temperatures drop, fleas can easily find their way in your home and onto your pet during the winter.
What months do dogs need flea and tick medicine?
Although fleas and ticks are a threat to pets year-round, these pests become most active during the warmer months, starting as early as March in some areas of the United States. Find your state on the map shown here to learn where and when your pets are most at risk for fleas and ticks.
Is flea treatment necessary in winter?
Yes. Though many species of ticks and fleas are slowed down or dormant during the winter, certain areas of the United States are not cold enough to truly kill these parasites and stop their activity. Because ticks and fleas can carry diseases that could harm your dog, it’s best to keep them protected all year long.
Do dogs need to be fleas in winter?
Even in the winter, you should continue treating your dog, home, and yard for fleas. Dogs can easily get fleas in the winter because the little bugs might take shelter in your warmer home to help them survive. If you want to be extra prepared, sign up for alerts to learn when there’s a flea outbreak in your region.
Do dogs really need flea and tick medicine in the winter? – Related Questions
What time of year are fleas the worst for dogs?
Peak Flea and Tick Season
Summer is one of the most active times for fleas and ticks, with some of the worst season being fall, in September, October, and November. Research has shown that the number of fleas on cats and dogs is 70% in the fall when compared to the spring season.
What temperature kills dog fleas?
Adult fleas die at temperatures colder than 46.4°F (8°C) and hotter than 95°F (35°C). Immature fleas, which refers to both flea eggs and larvae, are slightly more susceptible to the cold, dying at temperatures below 55.4°F (13°C).
How do I get rid of fleas on my dog in the winter?
What To Do: Collars and flea solutions can be added to pet’s skin, and they are all readily available from your veterinarian and local pet supply store. If your pet has fleas, it is also imperative that you bathe them with a flea killing shampoo.
What kills fleas immediately on dogs?
The most common product used to kill fleas on dogs instantly is Nitenpyram, more commonly known as Capstar. This single-use tablet is administered orally and kills fleas within 30 minutes. It is recommended that you contain your pet in a small area when using Capstar.
What month do fleas go away?
For many states, the most prevalent seasons for fleas and ticks are the spring and summer, or roughly from May through September. For southern and southwestern states, the flea and tick season typically occurs year-round. Extremely high heat will destroy fleas and ticks, as well as their eggs.
What month do fleas go away?
For many states, the most prevalent seasons for fleas and ticks are the spring and summer, or roughly from May through September. For southern and southwestern states, the flea and tick season typically occurs year-round. Extremely high heat will destroy fleas and ticks, as well as their eggs.
Are dog fleas seasonal?
Fleas love to thrive in warm, damp conditions and proliferate throughout what is known as the ‘flea season’, typically running from Spring to early-Autumn. As a result, pet owners should be super-cautious around this time and take active steps to both treat and prevent a full-blown infestation.
Are fleas active in the winter time?
As winter arrives, many fleas and their eggs will die. Fleas prefer a temperature of around 75 degrees and are most active at this temperature. As temperatures drop and hover near 50 degrees, fleas can cocoon and stay that way for months. No flea in any stage of development can survive freezing temperatures.
How often should I flea my dog?
You should de-flea and worm your pet once a month. Not only will this prevent them from experiencing the side effects of either condition, but it’ll allow your pet to be completely protected and free from suffering.
Do all dogs eventually get fleas?
Although all dogs are at risk of contracting fleas 365 days a year, some dogs seem to be more of a flea magnet than others. It appears as though a flea’s love for dogs might be a little more on the conditional side, meaning when certain conditions are present fleas are more likely to thrive.
Do I need to treat my dog for fleas all year round?
Yes! Keep your pets on flea and tick protection all year round! It is common today to hear people say “I don’t give my pet flea and tick prevention in the winter there is no need, since it is so cold”. This is a myth that is still believed today.
Do dogs need flea treatment if they don’t have fleas?
However, the majority of pets do benefit from flea treatments, even if they don’t appear to be infested with fleas. It is also far easier- and less expensive- to prevent an infestation than it is to treat one. It can be very difficult to tell whether your pet has fleas.
Do indoor dogs need flea prevention?
It is important to regularly give your dog a preventative flea treatment, even if they are an indoor dog, because the most effective flea control is preventing an infestation before it happens.
Can dogs get fleas from grass?
To put it quite simply, yes, your dog can get fleas from the grass. Fleas jump onto an animal to feed on their blood and then as soon as they have fed tend to jump right back off, which is how they end up in your grass to start with.
