Spring and summer are usually the heaviest time for ticks. But they can live year-round in some parts of the U.S. If you see signs of these pests on your pet, treat them right away. Otherwise, start treatment at the beginning of flea or tick season. Your vet can tell you when if you’re not sure. Some areas require year-round treatment.
Full Answer
When to start Flea and tick treatment for puppies?
What age is safe for tick and flea treatment? In general, it is not safe to use flea or tick medication on puppies younger than seven or eight weeks old. However, there are options that are safe for even very small puppies. One such option is a tablet that works only for 24 hours, but it …
When is the best time to use flea treatment?
ticks 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 …
When is Flea-and-tick season?
Sep 19, 2011 ·
What age can you give a dog tick medicine?
What month should you start flea treatment?
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 months do dogs need flea and tick medicine?
Flea and tick season will start with the onset of spring in late March to early April. However, depending on how far south you go, it may end in either November or December according to when the temperatures drop for winter.Feb 24, 2022
Do you give flea and tick medicine year round?
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!).Mar 30, 2017
How often do you do flea and tick treatment?
Pet flea sprays can kill fleas, but may need to be re-applied from as often as every few days, up to every few weeks.
Do dogs need flea treatment every month?
Once your puppy is old enough, it's important to start using a monthly flea and tick preventive medication to help ensure that your dog won't be affected by fleas or ticks in the future. Many of the treatments available and are effective for preventing both fleas and ticks.
Do I need to give my dog flea and tick medication in the 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 I need to give my dog flea medicine year round?
If you are unsure, or cannot dedicate the time necessary to monitoring these many variables, it is recommended that you keep your dog on a flea and tick prevention program year round. It is always better to be on the safe side and keep your dog protected from potential diseases and associated problems.Oct 24, 2016
Does my dog really need flea and tick prevention?
Yes! 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".Dec 15, 2015
How long is tick season?
Peak tick season typically lasts from May through August. With the arrival of the tick nymphs in May and the warm summer weather, there are more ticks out looking for a blood meal during this time. In fact, the warmer temperatures in the summer can actually make ticks more active.Aug 17, 2021
When can you start using Frontline on a puppy?
8 weeksWhen should I start treating my pets with FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY? It is safe to treat puppies and kittens with FRONTLINE SPRAY from 2 days of age. Puppies and kittens can be treated with FRONTLINE PLUS from 8 weeks of age.
What is the safest flea and tick treatment for dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for DogsFrontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. ... Trifexis employs spinosad and milbemycin oxime to keep dogs protected from heartworms and intestinal parasites as well as fleas, but it does not work against ticks.More items...•Jun 27, 2019
What happens if you apply Frontline too soon?
Symptoms of toxicity can include twitching, hypersalivation, trembling and seizures. If you start to see tremors shortly after applying the flea treatment, the best thing to do is bathe Fluffy or Fido in lukewarm water with a gentle dish soap like Dawn or Palmolive.Jan 14, 2015
When to Treat For Fleas in The Heat
For instance, if you live in some parts of the Southern United States, you will be dealing with the ideal conditions for fleas: between 65 and 80 d...
When to Treat For Fleas in The Rain
If you live in a cold and wet climate, both K9 Advantix II and Frontline Plus are waterproof, meaning they can keep your pet flea-free even during...
When to Treat For Fleas in The Cold
Ok, so you live somewhere that can be downright freezing. There’s only a high flea threat during a few months of the year. When should you begin to...
Southern and East Coast Ticks
However, that isn’t even the most crowded tick area in the United States. For that you have to head to the South and the East Coast, where you will...
When do ticks and fleas become active?
fleas. ticks. Although fleas and ticks pose 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.
Why is my yard less attractive to ticks?
The Centers for Disease Control recommends clearing tall grass and brush from your yard to make it less attractive to ticks. The geographic distribution of ticks is broadening as a result of climate change, deforestation, and the changing migration patterns of deer, birds, and rodents.
What diseases do ticks transmit?
The Merck Veterinary Manual says, “Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to animals and people. Once attached to a host, ticks feed voraciously. As they feed, ticks can transmit a large number of diseases.” These include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and ehrlichiosis (a bacterial infection.) Ticks also cause skin wounds that may lead to bacterial infections and can also cause anemia.
How many species of fleas are there in dogs?
There are more than 200 species of fleas affecting dogs, and these can also transmit disease and cause tapeworm infections and anemia. Some dogs are very sensitive to fleabites and suffer from serious allergic reactions of itchy, red, and scabby skin and even hair loss.
Can ticks be found in woods?
Bottom Line on Flea & Tick Season. When temperatures rise, flea eggs are safe to hatch outside, and ticks can thrive in woods and tall grasses. This is also the time of year that you and your dog are more likely to spend hiking and walking and enjoying nature.
Can fleas fly on dogs?
Fleas require blood from an animal host to be able to live and reproduce. They don’t have wings, so they can’t fly. However, they are serious jumpers with the ability to jump 100 to 200 times their size.
Do blacklegged ticks live in dogs?
Since deer are the main host of the Blacklegged tick and are active in fall and early winter months, this type of tick survives on the warm body of its host – until it drops off and attaches itself to your dog.
What is the best flea and tick medicine for dogs?
For the best flea and tick medication for dogs, several spot on medicines that kill fleas also kill ticks, including K9 Advantix II, Frontline Plus, and PetArmor. In hot areas where there are large numbers of both fleas and ticks, these spot on treatments seem to be the best bet to protect your pet from all those pests out there.
How long does it take for fleas to die after a spot on?
Some of these treatments begin working within 30 minutes and render all fleas dead within four hours.
What temperature should I use for fleas in the heat?
For instance, if you live in some parts of the Southern United States, you will be dealing with the ideal conditions for fleas: between 65 and 80 degrees and 70 to 85 percent humidity. In this case, it may be easiest to use spot on flea and tick treatments like K9 Advantix II, Advantage Multi for Cats, ...
How often should I apply K9 Advantix II to my dog?
Both need to be applied to your pet only once a month and kill existing fleas while also regulating flea growth. K9 Advantix II also kills and repels mosquitoes, which are found in high numbers in hot areas of the country as well.
How long does a flea collar last?
Perhaps the easiest way to provide non-stop protection for your pet is to use a long-lasting flea collar, like Seresto, which releases flea and tick repelling chemicals for 8 months. You can place the collar on your pet, and they'll be protected for months.
What is a low flea alert?
Much like retiring grandparents, fleas are attracted to the warmer climates. If your area’s average temperature is below 40 degrees, we classify that as a “Low Flea Alert.”. If your area’s average temperature is between 40 and 64 degrees, that’s a “Moderate Flea Alert.”.
What are the different types of ticks?
For that you have to head to the South and the East Coast, where you will find four different types of ticks: the brown dog tick, American dog tick, deer tick, and the Lone Star tick.
How old do puppies have to be to use flea and tick products?
Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies. Most flea and tick products are not safe to use on puppies until they’ve reached at least seven or eight weeks of age (see chart below).
Why is flea and tick prevention important?
Why Flea and Tick Prevention Is Important. In addition to being uncomfortable for your dog, fleas are also the leading cause of tapeworm, a parasite whose larvae is carried by fleas. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and other serious conditions.
How to prevent fleas and ticks in puppies?
How to Prevent Flea and Tick Infestations. Once your puppy is old enough, it’s important to start using a monthly flea and tick preventive medication to help ensure that your dog won’t be affected by fleas or ticks in the future. Many of the treatments available and are effective for preventing both fleas and ticks.
How long does Seresto work on dogs?
This product may be useful at stopping flea larvae from molting. Seresto is effective against fleas and ticks for up to 8 months and can be used on a dog as young as 7 weeks old. Speak with your veterinarian about this option.
How many fleas are there in pets?
Of the flea population, only 5 percent includes adult fleas on pets, Grognet says. The rest are in various stages of the life cycle and can be found outdoors or in your home. Vacuum your carpets (remember to remove the bag afterward) and clean all bedding your pet has used as well as any chairs with padding.
How to treat a dog with a tick?
After visiting woody areas or spending a lot of time outdoors, give your dog a tick check, looking him over for any embedded parasites. If you spot a tick on your pet, carefully remove the tick from your dog and contact your vet in case further treatment or testing is necessary.
Can you use flea shampoo on dogs?
Flea shampoos & collars: Most veterinarians do not recommend flea shampoos or collars for puppies or adult dogs because they are not very effective, Grognet says. There is an exception: The Seresto collar is designed to slowly release its active chemicals (imidacloprid and flumethrin).
When do fleas hit peak?
In many parts of the United States, the cat flea, which is the most common flea of dogs and cats, hits peak infestation in late summer and fall. Once the temperature turns really cold, your dog is less likely to contract fleas because the cold causes the fleas to lay dormant.
How to know if your dog has fleas and ticks?
The best way to determine if fleas and ticks are active in your area during winter months is to check with your local veterinarian or county extension office. Many areas have variable climates from year to year, so make sure you check each year. If you are not sure, air on the side of keeping your dog safe by continually using a dog flea and tick treatment. Monthly flea and tick medications are safe and effective for your dog. It is worth the additional cost of using a flea and tick medicine as a preventative over winter- it is much better than paying for vet bills if your dog would contract a tick borne disease or to try to rid your house of a flea infestation.
What is the best medicine for dogs to get rid of ticks?
Dog tick collars often use amitraz, a synthetic chemical that kills ticks by absorbing into the animal’s skin, but is not effective on fleas or other insects. Tick medications protect your dog from tick transmitted diseases, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
How does flea medicine work?
Topical flea medications work by being distributed in the oil glands of your dog’s skin when applied. Once applied, the flea medication kills the adult flea when it lands on the dog, which in hand prevents the adult flea from laying eggs.
How many eggs do fleas lay?
Let’s start with a general understanding about fleas. A female flea can lay up to 50 white eggs per day, beginning the flea life cycle. An adult flea can land on your dog and lay eggs, which then can fall off as they move, making them land throughout your home and anywhere else your dog hangs out.
How many types of ticks are there in the world?
There are more than 850 species of ticks, which are classified into soft and hard ticks based on their outer body. The most common ticks to affect dogs are hard ticks, although soft ticks are present in the Southwest. For this discussion, we will be discussing the tick life cycle of hard ticks.
What is the life cycle of hard ticks?
For this discussion, we will be discussing the tick life cycle of hard ticks. Female ticks usually breed on a host animal and then drop to the ground to lay eggs, of which she can lay thousands at a time. The eggs than hatch into seed ticks, which are known as the larval stage.
Why should I keep fleas out of my yard?
But it’s only part of the reason you should consider a flea and tick yard treatment. From the diseases they transmit to the allergic reactions they can cause for you and your pets alike , fleas and ticks need to be kept out of yards, as this is often where infestations start.
Is there a flea and tick control in Michigan?
Flea and tick control in Southeast Michigan can be challenging. That’s why investing in a professional flea and tick yard treatment works best. This integrated pest management approach involves inspection, then targeting eggs, tick and flea larvae and adults with the appropriate insecticides.
How long do flea pupae stay dormant?
As PetMD reminds us: “Flea pupae can remain dormant for over a year until the surroundings have reached ideal temperatures. Once conditions are ideal (either inside or outside), the pupae will complete their development and emerge from their cocoons en masse, resulting in a surge of activity both on and off your pets.
Can fleas stay in your home all year long?
For the majority of pet owners who keep their homes at a consistently warm temperature throughout the winter season, this can mean that a flea population, once settled indoors, can remain active all year long.”. Simple of Cat Flea & Tick Preventives For Everyone.
Can fleas and ticks be carried indoors?
While no one wants to deal with a flea infestation, it’s also worth remembering that fleas and ticks carry nasty diseases. Mercola addresses some of the serious dangers of fleas and ticks by saying “If pests attach to your dog or cat, they can easily be carried indoors and infiltrate your home.
Can you get fleas and ticks off a cat?
Chances are, you may have a prescription for that from your veterinarian. These are great ways to keep fleas and ticks at bay. However, there are also other ways you can prevent fleas and ticks from infecting your cat and household and you may be surprised by how simple and effective these treatments can be.
Do fleas and ticks die out in the summer?
Some years ago, veterinarians recommended cat flea and tick prevention primarily during the summer months unless you lived in a warm climate. The idea was that the sustained cold killed the fleas and ticks. These days, however, with shifting weather patterns, those fleas & ticks may not die out completely. Besides, if there are any flea pupae (the ...
Can ticks be on walls?
A flea infestation or a tick on your wall is more than simply unpleasant, however, as such pests are capable of transmitting disease. The biggest risk of ticks is not that they will take over your home, but their propensity for feeding on many different animals, from mice and deer to opossums.
