The Importance of Continuing Flea, Tick and Heartworm Treatments during the winter season.

With Fall approaching, it can be very tempting to try and save a few bucks and skip your companions flea/tick and or heartworm treatment.

"They go to sleep in the Winter." Is a phrase I have heard throughout my life from family friends and yes, even the occasional veterinary professional will tout this opinion.

While we see less of these pests in the cooler months, sleeping the winter away is far from the truth.

Ticks can carry on daily activities in temperatures as low as 40 degrees. Ticks tend to be the most active in late summer and fall. While fleas, on the other hand are able to function at a low temperature of 30 degrees!

Both of these species have a wide variety of host animals which include rats and mice that unfortunately at times can find their ways into our homes during the winter months. If this is the case, those fleas and ticks are safe and sound from dropping temperatures.

Fleas can be especially difficult, as they are great at hiding in nooks and crannies. A flea can survive 5 days... Yes, FIVE DAYS in 30 degree weather while their eggs can survive years round.

Keeping up with heartworm prevention is also the safest decision. By the time most people remember to start treatment again in the spring, mosquitos have already started hatching and your companion may be at risk.

I hope you have found this post informative and helpful. Have a great day!

Kat