Think fleas and ticks are only a summer problem? Think again. These tiny pests may seem seasonal, but in Oshawa and Bowmanville, ON, changing weather patterns and indoor heating can keep them active much longer than you’d expect. At Clarington Animal Hospital, we see pets struggle with flea infestations and tick-borne illnesses year-round—and we’re here to help you stay ahead of the itch.

Let’s break down how to keep your furry friend safe with smart, seasonal strategies for flea and tick prevention.

Why Year-Round Protection Matters

Fleas and ticks are more than just nuisances—they pose real health risks.

Fleas Can Cause:

• Itching, hair loss, and skin infections
  
• Flea allergy dermatitis (a severe reaction to flea saliva)
• Tapeworm infections (fleas carry tapeworm larvae)
• Anemia in puppies, kittens, and senior pets

Ticks Can Transmit:

• Lyme disease
  
• Anaplasmosis
  
• Ehrlichiosis
  
• Babesiosis
  

And while ticks are more active during warmer months, milder winters and cozy indoor temperatures mean flea eggs can survive and hatch even in the dead of January.

The Lifecycle Advantage: Why Prevention Must Be Consistent

Both fleas and ticks have multi-stage life cycles. A single flea can lay 40–50 eggs per day, and those eggs can fall into carpets, furniture, or pet bedding—waiting weeks or months to hatch.

Stopping infestations means breaking the life cycle, not just killing adult bugs. That’s why year-round flea control is so important.

Choosing the Right Preventative

Not all flea and tick products are created equal. Your pet’s size, lifestyle, and health conditions determine what works best.

Types of Preventatives:

1. Topical Treatments
Applied monthly between the shoulder blades.

2. Oral Medications
Chewable pills given monthly or every 3 months.

3. Collars
Slow-release protection over several months.

4. Sprays and Shampoos
Used in active infestations.

Always use vet-approved products and follow weight/dosage guidelines. We never recommend over-the-counter generic brands due to safety concerns.

Environmental Control: The Other Half of the Battle

If your pet has fleas, your home does too. Address both simultaneously:

• Vacuum daily—especially carpets, rugs, and furniture
• Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly
• Use vet-recommended home sprays or hire professional pest control if needed
• Treat all pets in the home, even if only one is symptomatic

Fleas are experts at hiding and waiting. A coordinated cleanup ensures they don’t come crawling back.

Tick Safety for Dogs and Cats

Ticks tend to hide in:

• Tall grass and brush
  
• Leaf litter and wooded trails
  
• Urban parks and walking paths
  

Protect your pets by:

• Staying on clear paths during hikes
  
• Checking for ticks after outdoor time, especially around ears, neck, underarms, and between toes
• Using preventatives consistently, even in colder months

If you find a tick, remove it gently with tweezers, gripping as close to the skin as possible. Don’t twist, squeeze, or apply alcohol—it increases the chance of infection.

Cats and Flea/Tick Prevention

Yes, even indoor cats need protection. Fleas can ride in on shoes, visitors, or other pets. And some ticks find their way through screened windows or open doors.

Use feline-specific products only—never give your cat a dog-formulated flea treatment. Many are toxic to cats and can cause seizures or worse.

Signs Your Pet Might Have Fleas or Ticks

• Scratching, biting, or licking more than usual
  
• Visible black “flea dirt” (flea feces) in the coat
  
• Scabs, hot spots, or hair loss
  
• Ticks felt as small bumps under the skin
  
• Restlessness, especially at night
  

If your pet’s acting unusually itchy, schedule a wellness visit to check for parasites.

FAQs About Flea and Tick Prevention

Do pets need flea and tick protection in the winter?

Yes. Fleas can survive indoors, and ticks become active again on warm winter days.

What if my pet has a reaction to a flea product?

Stop use immediately and contact us. Some pets may need an alternative option.

Can I use essential oils instead?

Natural remedies are not proven effective and may be unsafe—especially for cats. Always consult your vet.

How do I know which product is best for my pet?

We’ll help you choose based on your pet’s size, lifestyle, and health history. One-size-fits-all rarely works for parasite prevention.

Stay Protected All Year with Clarington Animal Hospital

Fleas and ticks may be small, but the problems they cause can be big. With year-round vigilance and a tailored prevention plan, your pet can stay itch-free, healthy, and safe no matter the season.

If you’re not sure where to start or want to update your parasite control plan, contact Clarington Animal Hospital today. We proudly support dogs and cats across Oshawa and Bowmanville, ON with trusted care and smart prevention.