If you are a dog owner, you will probably know the pain of dealing with fleas. More than 200 species of fleas can affect dogs, causing severe allergies, itching, redness, scabby skin, hair loss, or Lyme disease. While the problem may persist around the year, these pests tend to be active during the warmer months. Not surprisingly, pet parents often get complacent about these pesky parasites during the winter months.
However, believing this misconception is one of the worst blunders you can make because it may result in a flea infestation for your furry companion sooner rather than later.
Wherever you live and whichever breed you own, you must commit to a year-round flea prevention plan. No matter how cold winter gets in your area, you must watch out for these pests and take adequate measures for prevention and control.
In this article, we will highlight the reasons to prioritize flea prevention, even in the colder months.
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Fleas Can Survive in Winter
According to PetMD, 75 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for fleas to thrive. They complete their entire life cycle at around this temperature within just a few weeks. However, cold temperatures do not kill flea eggs. They only slow down the life stages, which means they can still hatch all through the winter. Also, fleas can stay in the cocoon stage at 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 weeks.
You cannot consider your pet and home flea-safe during the winter months. They can thrive in protected environments or remain dormant for extended periods, waiting for optimal conditions to hatch. Either way, the risk of infestation persists, regardless of the time of the year. Lack of preventive measures during winter can spell trouble, leading to a potential flea infestation as soon as these pests get into action.
Indoor Heating Creates Ideal Conditions
While a cozy home is a safe space for domestic animals and residents, it may also be a haven for fleas and ticks. When you maintain a comfortable temperature indoors, the controlled indoor environment creates an ideal setting for fleas to survive, breed, and multiply. You may not see adult fleas in your pet’s hair, but they may be around.
Neglecting fleas during winter can cause a rapid increase in their populations, posing a grave threat to your canine companion’s well-being. Dealing with an infestation is also a major hassle and expense for homeowners. Year-round prevention and early intervention are your best defenses against these troublesome pests.
Close Quarters Elevate the Risk
You may think that your dog has fewer chances of hitchhiking fleas and ticks because it seldom goes outdoors during winter. However, close quarters with family members and other pets (in multi-pet households) can be a significant risk factor. This increased proximity increases the risk of flea transmission between animals.
The risk persists even if your canine companion does not interact with other animals at home or outside. Fleas may enter your home through other means, like cracks and delivery parcels. They may already be in the carpets or on your pet’s bedding. You must prioritize flea and tick prevention measures to maintain a hygienic and pest-free environment for your pet.
Flea Prevention Strategies During Winter
Fleas are more than irritating pests; they transmit various diseases that can affect your pet’s overall health. Besides common risks like itching and allergies, there are severe ones such as tapeworm infections, Bartonella, and bacterial infections caused by flea bites. You can implement the following measures to prevent dog fleas during winter:
Use a Flea-Prevention Product
In summer or winter, you must integrate a reliable preventive product into your canine care routine. Since fleas can lay a large number of eggs, fast-acting products are effective as they can prevent eggs from being produced. ZoGuard Plus for dogs is a vet-recommended medication that stops the flea life cycle, making it an effective all-year remedy.
PetcareRX notes that it is a monthly, spot-on application that makes it simple and convenient for busy pet parents. Besides topical treatments, you can consider oral medications and collars to keep fleas at bay during the colder months.
Be Regular With Grooming
No matter how lazy you feel, you should not fall short with the winter grooming routine for your dog. Your furry companion may not get frequent baths in colder weather, so be regular about brushing their coat to remove dirt, debris, and flea eggs. Watch out for red flags such as fleas or flea dirt on your pet’s fur. Maintaining a clean and well-groomed coat keeps your canine looking good and pest-free.
Maintain a Clean Living Environment
Since fleas can survive indoors during winter, maintaining a clean living environment is the only way to keep them out. Vacuum your carpets regularly and keep the areas where your dog spends more time spotlessly clean. Wash its bedding and toys frequently using hot water. Use anti-flea sprays on carpets and upholstery, but remember to use non-toxic products.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
While outdoor activities are vital for the physical and mental well-being of dogs, avoid taking them to areas with potential flea problems. Winter outings may be fewer, but you should still steer clear of wooded areas, tall grasses, and places frequented by other animals. Check your dog’s coat for signs of fleas after outdoor excursions. A dog flea collar can be a savior during outdoor trips.
Be Vigilant
Having preventive measures in place does not ensure complete protection. You must still stay vigilant and watch for signs of flea infestations. Warning signs include excessive biting, scratching, and restless behavior. Get immediate medical attention for your pet for effective treatment. Also, be proactive about controlling re-infestations because they can happen despite the best precautions.
In conclusion, dog owners should realize that fleas can be a year-round concern, even during harsh winter. Overlooking the concern can cause problems for you and your furry companion. Prioritizing winter flea prevention and taking a proactive treatment approach is the best way to address the problem and keep your pet healthy throughout the year.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.