Let’s “bug” a vet for a minute: Can our dogs & cats still battle flea infestations in the cold, winter months?
(Spoiler alert: YES!)
It’s a total misconception to assume that when the temperatures drop, the flea populations drop and petowners can be a bit more laid about about using flea preventives on our dogs and cats. Since fleas spend the majority of their time underneath our pets warm & cozy fur, dropping temperatures don’t affect them very much. Some stages of a flea’s life cycle are actually very resistant to temperature changes and flea pupae can be stimulated to emerge by something as simplistic as carbon dioxide emitted from your dog’s breath.
Fleas have also evolved so that by the time petowners even detect them, they number well into the thousands. Scratching fur can be a sign of dry skin; however, it also represents on the symptoms of fleas. Other possible symptom may include hair loss and sores on dogs and/or sores around the lips and face on cats.
If you end up with a flea infestation this winter (or really anytime for that matter), take your dog or cat to the vet for treatment. Wash your pet’s bedding (or yours if your pet sleeps with you) multiple times in hot water. Vacuum up any fleas, larvae or pupae then throw the bag away. And finally, let the professionals at Blue Chip know. Our two-step flea elimination program not only works to kill the adults but also has a growth regular which keeps any eggs from hatching.
