If you’ve ever spotted your dog scratching like there’s no tomorrow—or noticed your cat suddenly obsessively grooming one spot—you probably know the next thing you have to deal with: fleas or ticks. These tiny freeloaders are not just annoying; they can make your pets feel sick and turn your home into a crazy battleground. The trick to staying ahead in this game is not to wait until you spot a parasite; it’s starting preventatives at the right time for where you live.
In this blog, we’ll update you on when the flea and tick season in the USA really kicks off in different parts and which vet-approved preventatives can help you stay one step ahead!
What Makes Fleas and Ticks so Dangerous?
While there are some key differences between fleas and ticks, both are parasites that suck blood from animals and humans. A host (an entity these parasites suck blood from) serves two purposes for them: an active food source and a temporary home. However, this is not a symbiotic relationship, so they must be detached from the host as soon as they come to know of it.
Did you know there are at least 90 species of ticks residing in the U.S.? One of them is a deadly variant called the black-legged tick, which is also known as the ‘deer tick.’ In some parts of the United States, up to 15% of these can transmit Lyme disease, which can lead to cardiac, neurological, and even urinary complications in canines.
Flea and tick season in the USA States :
Since temperatures keep changing, your state’s flea and tick season in the USA may also shift. Check below for your state’s flea and tick season so that you are prepared beforehand!
A quick reality check here for you is that the fleas survive indoors on shoes, carpet, bedding, etc, no matter what season it is. In fact, they thrive in mildly warm areas. Ticks don’t simply vanish during snowfall. This is exactly why vets recommend year-round flea and tick preventatives, no matter what your zip code is!
Why Are Preventatives Important?
Fleas and ticks are not just itchy bites; they spread harmful illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tapeworms, anemia, and skin infections to pets. And once fleas and/or ticks have infested your and your pet’s space, they don’t politely leave. A female flea reproduces at a manic rate of 50 eggs a day.
Year-round flea and tick preventatives work as a safety net! It’s much easier and cheaper, honestly, to stop these parasites than to deal with a full-blown infestation or a sick pet.
Vet-Recommended Preventative Products
When it comes to protecting your pets from these blood-sucking parasites, there is no shortage of options in the market. So, here we have listed down some of the heavy-hitters that most veterinarians trust:
Bravecto (Chews/Topicals for Dogs, Topicals for Cats)
Bravecto protects your pet for up to 12 weeks per dose, which means fewer reminders to set! It comes in chewable and topical forms for dogs and in topical versions for cats. It’s a perfect preventative choice if you’re forgetful with monthly doses.
NexGard Chewables for Dogs
NexGard is a beef-flavored chew treat that your dog won’t spit out. It kills fleas before they can lay eggs and multiple tick species, including the ticks carrying Lyme disease. NexGard chewable treat is a once-a-month routine that blends into your furry companion’s feeding time.
Simparica Chewables for Dogs
Simparica is a fast-acting monthly, easy-to-give chew that attacks fleas within hours of administration. It’s a great formula for hounds affected heavily by ticks since it targets several species.
Frontline Plus for Dogs & Cats
Frontline Plus is a topical treatment that is applied monthly on the back of your pet between their shoulder blades. It is a budget-friendly and widely available option that is safe for puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks.
Seresto Collar for Dogs & Cats
Seresto is a long-lasting flea & tick collar that releases active ingredients slowly, providing steady protection to your pet. It is proven to be effective for up to 8 months. It is water-resistant, which means no swimming or bathing session will ruin its effect. Pet parents can just slip it on their pets and be at ease.
Advantage Multi for Dogs & Cats
Advantage Multi is a monthly topical that covers fleas, heartworms and intestinal worms. It is a popular option for cat parents who are looking for an all-in-one solution.
Which Preventative Should You Pick?
There is no one-size-fits-all here. Pet parents should pick their preventative treatment depending on their pet’s lifestyle, habits and health.
- Seresto collars or topical solutions are better for pets who enjoy bath time or are swimmers.
- Bravecto gives peace of mind with fewer doses to busy pet parents who forget monthly reminders.
- Topical options like Advantage Multi or Frontline Plus are perfect for felines who spit out pills like tiny drama queens.
FAQs
Can fleas survive indoors during winter?
Unfortunately, yes, they can. Fleas love cozy spots like rugs, couches, bedding and furniture. Also, even when it’s icy outside, they can survive indoors.
What if you forget a dose?
It’s normal for a pet parent to forget a dose, but give it as soon as you remember. If it’s been weeks, check with your vet about restarting the respective treatment safely.
Do natural remedies for fleas and ticks work?
Natural remedies like essential oils or sprays can help in repelling pests, but they won’t protect your pet from head to tail.
Which works better: chewable or topical?
It all depends on your pet. Chewables are quite convenient if your dog loves food, whereas topicals are great for cats or dogs with sensitive tummies.
Does a pet need preventatives even if they live indoors?
Yes! Definitely. Fleas and ticks can hitchhike on shoes, clothes or even pets visiting from outside. Just because your pet is indoors doesn’t mean they’re immune to these parasites.
On a Final Note
Flea and tick season in the USA is not just a summer thing anymore – it’s stretching longer each year! Whether you are in the northeast or south, prevention is the only way to keep your fur baby safe, comfortable, and pest-free!