Are Ticks Still A Problem For Your Pet In Winter?

Ticks and Winter - Are They a Problem?

Now, here's the important part: ticks don't hibernate during winter. While they may be less active in very cold conditions, they're far from dormant. Ticks are resilient, and some species are even adapted to surviving in freezing temperatures. 

Here's why ticks can still be a problem for your pet in winter:

• Indoor/Outdoor Pets - If your pet spends time both indoors and outdoors, they can pick up ticks during their outdoor adventures.

• Wildlife Carriers - Ticks can hitch rides on wildlife, such as deer or rodents, which may frequent your garden or neighbourhood even in winter.

• Sheltered Environments - Ticks can shelter in leaf litter or undergrowth, waiting for your pets to pass by, even in cold weather.

• Climate Change - Changing climate patterns have altered tick behaviour, with some species expanding their range and remaining active for longer periods.

How to Protect Your Pet in Winter from Ticks

Given the potential for ticks to remain active during winter, it's essential to take steps to protect your pet:

• Regular Checks - Continue to check your pet for ticks, even in winter. Pay close attention to areas where ticks commonly attach, such as around the ears, neck, and between toes.

• Tick Preventative Products - Consistent year round protection is key! Using Itch Flea Treatment for dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for cats (which kills fleas, ticks AND lice!) is a great way to keep your pets protected.

• Outdoor Awareness - Be cautious during outdoor activities with your pet, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent. Stick to well-groomed paths and trails.

• Lawn Maintenance - Keep your garden well-maintained to reduce tick habitats. Clear leaf litter and tall grasses where ticks can hide.

• Wildlife Management - Minimise contact between your pet and wildlife, which can carry ticks into your environment.

Prevention Is Better Than a Cure

As the saying goes, "prevention is better than a cure," and this holds true for tick-borne diseases. Here's why tick prevention is crucial:

• Disease Prevention - Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to pets and us humans, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Prevention reduces the risk of infection.

• Cost-Effective - Preventing tick infestations and diseases is often more cost-effective than treating them once they have a tick problem.

• Peace of Mind - By keeping your pet on a year-round tick prevention regimen, you can have peace of mind that they're protected, regardless of the season.