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.
What months should dogs take flea and tick medicine?
December through February are arguably the lowest risk months for parasites, so many pet-parents will forgo coverage in those months, and start flea and tick prevention again in March or April when the weather begins to warm.
What time of year do dogs need flea treatment?
We always recommend giving flea and tick protection year round as the weather is unpredictable. Fleas can live outdoors and can survive in temperatures as low as 33 degrees for up to 5 days (long enough to jump on to your dog or you during your short walk outside and make their way in to your home!).
What time of year are dogs most likely to get fleas?
When Is Flea Season? Fleas tend to be more active during warmer months. They favor humid weather and temperatures from 60-75°F — which can be as early as late February in some parts of the U.S. and during a fall “second season” throughout the country.
What month does flea and tick treatment start?
Most flea and tick products for puppies are not safe to use until they’ve reached at least seven or eight weeks of age (see chart below). Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a flea and tick preventative for puppies to safely use, and advise you on when it’s safe to begin administering it to your puppy.
Does my dog need flea and tick medicine 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 flea and tick medicine every month?
The best way to prevent and ward off fleas is to keep your dog on flea and tick medication year-round. Most preventative medications, both topical and oral versions, need to be taken monthly to remain effective. However, select treatments may protect your dog for longer, and so do not need to be taken as frequently.
What kills fleas instantly?
Commercial Products from Your Veterinarian 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.
Do dogs need flea treatment every month?
Treat all the pets in your home regularly (usually every month but some products vary so check the insert or ask your vet) with a suitable flea treatment. Regularly wash your pet’s bedding on a hot wash to get rid of any flea eggs that might be lurking there. Use a long-acting household spray regularly.
Is there a season for fleas?
As you can see, fleas and ticks are most active during the warmer months of the year. In some warm areas of the country, such as the South and West Coast, flea season is year round. In the middle of the US, fleas and ticks are a greater risk generally between March and December.
Are fleas and ticks active in winter?
While pests like fleas and ticks thrive in humid, warm conditions, they can also live (and bite!) throughout the winter. It’s true they cannot endure freezing weather for extended periods, but they often find ways to survive anyway.
How often should dogs have flea treatment?
Pets, especially dogs and cats, require regular attention to keep them in perfect health. One tip is to administer flea and worm treatment; a monthly top-up that can help to protect your pet against serious health complications in the long-term.
What are the worst months for fleas?
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.
Where do fleas bite dogs the most?
The basis for a flea bite allergy is actually the flea saliva which enters a dog’s body as a flea takes a blood meal. Although dogs can become itchy anywhere on their bodies, the most commonly affected areas include the hind legs, the groin, and the skin on the back between a dog’s ribcage and tail.
What can I feed my dog to prevent fleas?
For dogs, a daily dose of brewer’s yeast in their kibble will help to repel fleas. You can also add brewer’s yeast to your cat’s food. Fleas are also known to be repelled by citrus.
How long is tick season?
Adult ticks, which are approximately the size of sesame seeds, are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November. Both nymphs and adults can transmit Lyme disease. Ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.
When should I start tick medication?
As we inch closer to spring, we can expect to see more days where the temperature reaches 4 C and higher. This is the temperature at which ticks become active and bite. Therefore, we recommend starting tick prevention on March 1 and continuing monthly until November.
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.
When can I stop giving my dog flea and tick medicine?
Its total life span can be as long as one and one-half years under ideal conditions. Many people are concerned about not giving their dogs a break from flea and tick medication, opting to discontinue preventative treatment at the onset of winter and starting back up in the spring.
How often should I give my dog flea and tick medicine?
Vets tend to recommend monthly flea-and-tick treatment across the board for all dogs, but what’s best for one dog is not necessarily best for another. What is this? Yes, in some areas you really need to protect your dog from fleas and ticks year round.
Is there a once a year shot for fleas and ticks?
One Bite, One Proheart 12 injection, One full year of protection.
Does my indoor dog need flea and tick medicine?
“Ticks and mosquitoes are dangerous to the health of people as well as pets,” says Dr. Jill Lopez, a veterinarian with Merck Animal Health. “For that reason, flea and tick protection is essential for all dogs and cats that live with you.”
How long do flea and tick treatments last?
The most popular flea and tick medications for dogs and cats last for at least a month; some are even effective for eight to twelve weeks!
What do fleas hate?
Fleas have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. You can take advantage of this trait by using scents they dislike, such as cedarwood, mint, vinegar, clove oil, citrus, DEET, lemongrass oil, and rosemary oil.
Does vinegar get rid of fleas on dogs?
Vinegar is an effective method of eliminating fleas from dogs with mild to moderate infestations. If your dog has a serious infestation, then the fastest and most effective way to eliminate them is go to a vet immediately.