Read why it's important to continue your pets flea and tick treatment through the fall and winter months!
Fall has arrived and as the leaves change and temperatures drop pet owners may fall in a false thinking that their pets no longer need flea and tick prevention until next summer. Wrong! In fact, fall is one of the most prime times of the year to contract Lyme and other tick and flea borne diseases. “Urban wildlife, particularly the booming whitetail deer population, warming climates and ticks’ natural resilience means the threat of ticks, and the diseases they carry is on the rise in almost every part of the country.” (Source Frontline and Merial) Adult ticks generally become inactive at temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Until those type of temperatures arrive and remain in place for a period of time, adult ticks will continue to actively seek out new hosts and meals in order to complete their life cycle.
Don't let your pet become a host to fleas and ticks!
As for fleas, “the life cycle can lay more than 40 eggs per day during peak production. These eggs can hatch in 1-10 days, but pre-emerged fleas can survive in cocoons for weeks or months waiting on a suitable host.” (Source Frontline and Merial) Optimal conditions for fleas are between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% humidity. So with the cooler temperatures of fall why should you worry about fleas? Well here’s why… During the summer your home air conditioning removes humidity from the air, lowering levels to less than optimal conditions for flea development. However, flea cocoons can remain dormant and hidden during this time. Then the temperatures begin to drop so you turn off your AC and let that nice fresh air inside. This increase in humidity and warmer temperatures during the afternoons can be enough to trigger the pupal stages into waking up and hatching into adult fleas.
Most people keep their houses between 68-72 degrees year round it would will allow fleas a prime place to flourish should a population become established inside your home. So as you enjoy the beauty of the fall season make sure you continue to treat your pets against fleas and ticks. Here at Jefferson Veterinary Hospital we offer Nexgard & Frontline products to keep your furry friends happy and healthy. Stop by or call today for prices and to schedule an appointment.