Are Fleas and Ticks Active Year-Round? What to Watch for This Season

Fleas and ticks can pose serious health risks to your pets and even your family. One common misconception is that these pests are only active during the warmer months. In reality, fleas and ticks can be a year-round problem, especially in regions with mild winters or fluctuating seasonal temperatures. At Brekke Veterinary Clinic, we want pet owners to stay informed and prepared throughout the year.
 

Are Fleas and Ticks Really Active All Year?

While flea and tick populations tend to peak during spring and summer, they don’t completely disappear in the fall or winter. In fact, fleas can thrive indoors during colder months, thanks to central heating. Ticks can remain active in outdoor environments as long as the temperature stays above freezing.

Fleas reproduce rapidly and can quickly infest your home. Even if your pet spends limited time outside, fleas can be picked up from other animals or environments and brought indoors, where they continue to thrive.

Ticks are especially resilient and can survive in wooded areas, leaf litter, or tall grasses - even in the winter. They pose a risk for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis to both pets and people.
 

Seasonal Watch: What to Look For

Each season presents its own flea and tick challenges. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Spring & Summer: Peak activity for both fleas and ticks. Warm, humid weather creates ideal breeding conditions.

• Fall: Ticks remain active and may even increase in numbers as they search for hosts before winter.

• Winter: Indoor flea infestations are more common. Ticks may still be found on mild winter days or in protected outdoor areas.

Signs your pet may have fleas or ticks include:

• Excessive scratching or grooming

• Visible fleas or flea dirt (small black specks)

• Ticks embedded in the skin, especially around the ears, neck, or between toes

• Skin irritation or hair loss
 

Why Year-Round Prevention Is Essential

Prevention is the most effective way to protect your pet from the risks associated with fleas and ticks. Relying only on seasonal treatments can leave gaps in protection, increasing the likelihood of infestations and exposure to parasite-borne diseases. These pests can be persistent and hard to eliminate once they take hold, so consistent, year-round protection is key.

Using a year-round flea and tick prevention plan offers several important benefits. It helps reduce the risk of illnesses caused by parasites, prevents infestations from spreading throughout your home, and ensures your pet remains comfortable and healthy. Additionally, ongoing prevention is far more manageable and cost-effective than dealing with the complications of a full-blown infestation.

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective preventative options available, including topical treatments, oral medications, and flea and tick collars. At Brekke Veterinary Clinic, our team can help you choose the best solution based on your pet’s health, environment, and lifestyle to ensure they remain protected all year long.
 

Protect Your Pet Every Season of the Year

Fleas and ticks don’t take a break, and neither should your pet’s protection. Staying vigilant and using year-round prevention is the best way to ensure your furry family member stays happy and healthy no matter the season.

Schedule a wellness exam with Brekke Veterinary Clinic to discuss the right flea and tick prevention plan for your pet. Visit our office located on W Happy Canyon Rd. in Castle Rock, Colorado, or call (303) 474-4260 today.