Can Dogs Get Fleas in the Winter? Fleas are a common issue which many people face with their dogs, cats and even ferrets. Millions of people every year get rid of fleas with an over the counter pill or an expensive prescription treatment. There are a few things you can do to prevent your pet from getting fleas during the winter months. Flea and ticks are a common problem for dogs owners. And it is especially true in case of the cold season. Many of you might wonder can dogs get fleas in the winter and fleas are not a problem only during the summer time. So, we have prepared this article to help you with this issue. Can Dogs Get Fleas In The Winter Most dogs can get fleas throughout the year. Fleas spread from other animals onto dogs and vice versa. The fleas won’t directly cause death to your dog, but all the scratching will irritate your dog’s skin, which may lead to some health problems. If you ask me, fleas are much like vampires or zombies. Just when you thought they have been wiped away for good and buried in your back garden, they return and thrive. That’s why I’m still baffled how people can be so naive to continue having dogs and cats in their homes without knowing what to do about dog flea infestation. And it’s particularly baffling that pet owners living in cities like San Francisco, where we’re located with our office being quite close-by, suffer from those flea infestations especially, as it tends to be just an isolated case. However, that’s can’t be said for the rest of California, due to the warm weather conditions year after year. Okay, so that last title might be a little bit of a stretch. But if you’re like most dog owners, fleas are the thought that strikes terror into your hearts every summer. After all, fleas are annoying for us as well. And having them on your pup is downright horrible!

Can Dogs Get Fleas In The Winter

They sure can.

Yes, fleas can live inside your house where it’s warm and cozy. In fact, these critters really like it when you’re nice and toasty, because that means they get to eat. Only a tiny fraction of the flea population is actually on your dog or cat at any given time. The rest are in their eggs, cocoons, or larvae forms developing somewhere in the environment—and they’re waiting for you to turn up the heat so they can start snacking on your pet (or you).

Fleas love the warm weather.

While most people believe that fleas are only a problem during the summer months, this is not entirely true. Fleas can live in temperate climates year-round, although they will be more active and prevalent during the warmer months of spring and summer. During the colder months, dogs are less likely to contract fleas, but pet owners should still use preventative measures to treat their pets all year long.

Fleas love warm weather because it allows them to thrive in their natural environment. The ideal temperature for breeding flea eggs is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit; at temperatures above 70 degrees, adult fleas do not survive well. Temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit can kill fleas. This means that homes without heat are especially susceptible to flea infestations because they allow the pests to thrive even in cold weather conditions.

Fleas spend the winter in their egg stage.

The fleas that are waiting for your pet during the cold winter months are not adult fleas. They are in the egg stage and spend their time waiting for the warmer weather in your home: on your carpet, furniture, and bedding. Because they’re dormant, these eggs can survive freezing temperatures without any problems. They’ll hatch when they sense a warm-blooded host nearby or when the weather is balmy enough to indicate that spring has arrived.

The flea larvae can withstand most freezing temperatures.

Flea larvae can live in temperatures as low as -10°C and as high as 29°C or above. The fleas can survive cold because they remain dormant in a cocoon-like state. Once the temperature becomes warm enough, the eggs hatch and the larvae feed on organic matter (like dead skin cells and hair) around them to grow into adult fleas.

They love heaters.

Fleas love the warmth, which makes heating equipment a magnet for fleas.

They love to burrow into fur to find heat.

They want to lay their eggs somewhere warm and safe.

They want to hide in blankets or towels and wait until they can feast again.

You should check your dog regularly for fleas or ticks and treat as needed.

You should check your dog regularly for fleas or ticks and treat as needed. If you find any, treating the problem immediately is best. Your vet can recommend effective treatments that are safe for both you and your dog.

Check your pup once a day if he’s playing in areas where fleas or ticks are common, such as tall grasses or heavily wooded areas. If you think he may have acquired a tick, check his skin thoroughly by running your hands over him from head to toe, feeling for any lumps or bumps. Ticks may also burrow into the fur around your dog’s ears and face, so check these areas closely too.

If you find something that feels like a small pea buried under the skin surface, there’s a good chance it is a tick. Don’t hesitate to take him to the vet if you can’t remove it yourself because tick removal requires special tools and knowledge on how to properly extract them so they don’t continue feeding on other parts of your pet after being removed from one spot.

You shouldn’t assume that just because it’s cold out that your dog is safe from fleas. Check him or her regularly, year-round.

There are some things you can do in the winter to prevent your dog from getting fleas.

First, check your dog for fleas regularly, and treat him or her (according to the instructions on the packaging) with a topical or oral flea medication consistently throughout the year. Second, take care of your pet’s skin and coat by controlling any skin conditions like allergies that could make it easier for fleas to latch on. Third, be sure to keep your home clean and vacuumed so that any potential pests don’t have anywhere to hide out.

Lastly, avoid giving your dog too many baths as this can dry out their skin and increase their susceptibility to getting fleas. If you must give them a bath in the wintertime, choose one that’s scent-free and mild. Also try not letting them sleep outside as it’s easier for them to get cold and catch something there instead of at home where it is warm!