Ticks, Fleas, Mosquitos: When Are They Active?

Wouldn’t it be great if the cold weather fully eradicated the same bugs that torment our pets in the warmer seasons? While temperatures below freezing certainly work in our favor, there are still risks associated with ticks, fleas, and mosquitos during the coldest days. As a result, parasite prevention continues to be a priority no matter the season. 

Hardy Bugs

Contrary to popular opinion, there is no set season for parasites. Sure, their numbers increase in the spring and summer when conditions are warm and balmy, but opting out of parasite prevention medication in the winter can place pets at risk. 

Warmer winters are on the rise, which is a fact that contributes to growing numbers of year-round parasites. With a greater number of life cycles each year, parasites have the potential to cause big problems for our pets and our homes. 

Fleas and Ticks Are Everywhere

When the environment creates ideal conditions for parasites, they never really disappear. Some of them, like coccidia, spend the winters in the soil, which may or may not freeze. 

Fleas and ticks can live very well indoors and sneak their ways into garages, barns, sheds, and even through the front doors to homes. Plus, late falls and early springs make it even easier for them to extend their life cycle. 

Heartworm Dangers

Mosquitos may linger beyond the last days of summer and wreak havoc on pets well into the fall. Unpredictably warm weather can increase mosquito numbers even during the winter when pet owners least expect to see them hovering. Plus, heartworm-carrying mosquitos can hold out in warm areas of certain building structures that trap heat. 

Internal Parasites

Roundworms and whipworms are not affected by the cold. They shed eggs year-round that have the capability to handle extreme temperatures. When ingested, these internal parasites can cause major problems for pets left unprotected. 

Tapeworms are commonly found in prey animals, like rabbits or rodents, and they can also be in fleas.  

Year-Round Parasite Prevention

Many pet owners think that their pets should have a break between November and March, and opt out of their monthly parasite prevention medication protocol. Unfortunately, cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, coccidia, heartworm, Lyme disease, and Anaplasmosis are on the rise no matter the season. 

Tick Control For Dogs

In some ways, tick-borne illnesses are a bit sneaky and, in fact, show few obvious symptoms in the early months. Nymphs or baby ticks are able to spread disease just like their larger relatives, but they are harder to spot on a pet. A pet may become infected by a tick in the fall, but won’t show symptoms until spring or summer. The only way to combat this growing problem is, of course, prevention. 

Fall Parasite Prevention

Now is a great time to keep up with your pet’s parasite prevention medication and safety measures outside. Please give us a call at (215) 752-1010 with any questions or concerns. Our staff at Flowers Mill Veterinary Hospital is always here to support your pet’s health and wellness.