11/15/2024
🫐 Happy Friday Blueberries! 🫐
The temperature is starting to cool down folks, so lets talk about winter parasite prevention. Whilst it may seem like fleas and ticks are only a concern in the warmer months, in fact, they can be active year-round, even during the cold winters here!
In Perth and much of Ontario, winter temperatures can fluctuate. Mild periods or warmer days (above 0°C) provide an opportunity for fleas and ticks to remain active. If there's snow cover, the pests may also hide in warmer areas, such as under the snow or in wooded areas, waiting for the right conditions to emerge.
Whilst ticks and fleas are often associated with outdoor environments, they can also be brought inside by your pets. If you have pets that go outside, even for short periods, they can pick up ticks or fleas on their fur or in their bedding. Once inside, these pests can easily infest your home, making them harder to eradicate.
Fleas and ticks can survive the winter in a dormant state. Ticks may hide in leaf piles, under bark, or in tall grasses, whilst fleas can live in your home, particularly in carpets, bedding, or furniture. Once the temperature rises, they become active again and can start feeding on your pets.
Fleas reproduce rapidly. A single female flea can lay hundreds of eggs, leading to an infestation that can be hard to control. Fleas also cause itching, skin irritation, hair loss, and even more severe reactions like flea allergy dermatitis.
As we know ticks transmit Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis. Whilst ticks are most active in spring and fall, they can still transmit diseases in winter months when active.
Don't hesitate to call OR text the clinic if you have any questions, or need to order more parasite prevention!
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