Flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats: what pet parents should know

If you’re wondering whether your pet really needs flea and tick prevention, you’re not alone. At Lovet, we talk to hundreds of pet parents each year who have heard myth after myth surrounding flea and tick prevention — and have dozens of questions. Do pets need it year-round? Even indoors? What should they actually use to protect their pets and their families?

In this blog, we’ll be addressing these questions and more by giving vet-approved insight into the following:

• Why flea and tick prevention matters 

• When to give flea and tick preventative medication 

• Common lifestyle considerations that contribute to flea and tick myths 

• Which symptoms and behaviors could mean a flea or tick bite 

• How to choose the right flea and tick preventative medication 

• Why you can’t skip flea and tick medication in the winter

Do pets really need flea and tick prevention?

Fleas and ticks aren't just an itchy nuisance. A single bite from a flea or tick can lead to skin issues and transmit serious illnesses like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, Tick Fever (ehrlichiosis), anaplasmosis, & immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). 

Flea and tick preventative medication provides comprehensive protection against pests. It kills any present fleas, ticks, larvae, and eggs and provides protection against future infestation.

Does flea and tick prevention need to be given year-round? 

For 99% of pets, the answer is yes. Year-round flea and tick medication ensures your pet is protected any day out of the year when they encounter fleas and ticks. More than 80% of ticks survive through winter and on those periodic nice warm days, they do come out looking for a meal.  

The other 1% of pets who don’t need prevention year-round are typically pets who are either too young or small for traditional preventatives, or pets who are allergic to preventative medications. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine which preventative plan is best for your pet. 

Dogs vs. cats

Fleas and ticks don’t discriminate between species, so it’s important to protect both dogs and cats from these pests. While flea and tick medications for dogs and cats may look similar, they should never be swapped between species. 

The active ingredients in flea and tick medications change depending on brand, formulation, and intended species. An active ingredient that may be perfectly safe for dogs can be highly toxic to cats. Follow all labeled instructions when giving flea and tick preventative to your cat or dog and always ask your vet before starting your pet on a new medication.

Indoor vs. outdoor pets

Outdoor pets have a much higher rate of exposure to fleas and ticks, but keeping a pet 100% indoors doesn’t mean they’re 100% isolated from pests.

Fleas and ticks are incredibly resilient, and can cling to people, other pets, and items like shoes and bags for hours in search of their next meal. If whatever they’ve hitched a ride to has come indoors, there’s a chance of your indoor-only pet getting bitten.

The goal with preventative is to prevent exposure in the first place. For that reason, flea and tick prevention medication is recommended year-round for indoor-only pets as well.

Climate considerations

While certainly more active during the warmer months, fleas and ticks don’t disappear in the cold — and often find pockets of warmth to survive during the colder months — so your pet needs to be protected regardless of your home climate.

Many states, especially Arizona, often don’t even get cold enough to create a noticeable dip in flea and tick activity. Other parts of the country definitely get some low temperatures, but an unseasonably warm day can be more than enough to wake up creepy crawlies.

Can you skip flea and tick prevention in the winter?

It’s a common myth that flea and tick prevention is only a summertime activity and can be skipped once the temperatures drop.

Though fleas and ticks may not be active all 365 days of the year, they can still be present throughout all 12 months, regardless of climate. Even in colder weather, when activity slows, pets can still encounter them on warmer or sunnier days.

If you live in a warmer part of the country, it may not get cold enough for fleas and ticks to go fully dormant. We also keep our homes much warmer than the outdoors, which can also rouse fleas and ticks from dormancy after being brought inside on shoes or coats. Fleas specifically can take refuge in nooks and crannies in your home and go unnoticed for months, to the point where professional pest control is necessary.

By keeping your pet on flea and tick preventative year-round, you’re ensuring they’re protected for any possible exposure — whether it’s sunny or snowy out.

Considerations for multi-pet households 

Multi-pet households absolutely need year-round flea and tick preventative medication for each pet. Administering preventative medication to one pet only when you see signs may prolong an infestation of fleas or increase the risk of disease transmission from ticks.

If one pet starts showing signs of fleas or ticks, it’s likely that other pets in your household may also be affected. Fleas and ticks can migrate from pet to pet due to contact when playing or cuddling, shared bedding, and other aspects of living in a home together.

A flea’s life cycle lasts approximately three months, which is why consistent treatment is essential during an infestation. All pets in the home should be treated for at least 3 consecutive months to effectively eliminate fleas at every stage — egg, larva, pupa, and adult — as new fleas continue to hatch and develop throughout this period. 

Fleas or ticks: when it’s something you shouldn’t ignore

It’s easy for an early flea infestation or single tick to go unnoticed. However, there are some signs that can be confused for other skin issues — or just normal pet behavior.

Keep an eye out for the following signs, and call your vet right away if you spot them:

• Scratching more than usual 

• Visible fleas or ticks  

• Redness, scabs, hair loss

If you’re not sure, we’re here to help. We offer same-day appointments, with walk-in slots available daily. Give your local Lovet a call and we can help assess symptoms over the phone to determine whether your pet needs to come in right away.

Choosing the right flea and tick prevention for your pet 

Getting the best protection from flea and tick preventative medication is dependent on the right dosage, which factors in your pet’s species, age, weight, and lifestyle. Your vet will walk you through the following options and make a personalized recommendation based on your pet.

Oral medication

Oral flea and tick preventative medication is usually formulated as a chewable treat, given once per month. Many pet parents prefer this method for its convenience and ease of administration. Most pets don’t even know it’s not a regular treat!

This type of medication requires a prescription from your vet and cannot be purchased at pet supply stores. Refills are usually obtained after an exam once or twice a year to ensure it’s working effectively.

Topical medication

Topical flea and tick preventative medication is a medicated gel or oil that is applied to your pet’s skin once per month. You’ll need to apply it in a place where your pet can’t reach (usually between the shoulder blades) and refrain from touching them until the medication has completely dried — which can take as long as two hours.

For up to 48 hours after, your pet may have a small greasy spot where you applied the medication. This will resolve, but it’s important to refrain from touching it or bathing your pet until it disappears. Topical medication needs to be absorbed into your pet’s skin for full protection, so any disturbance or removal of the medication can affect its efficacy.

Topical flea and tick preventative medication is available without a prescription and can be found at your vet’s office and pet supply stores. However, over-the-counter flea and tick products are not held to the same standards for efficacy and safety as veterinary-prescribed preventatives. As a result, they are often less reliable and may carry a higher risk of adverse effects. 

Collars

Flea collars are regular collars treated with medication that deter fleas and ticks.

Most veterinarians don’t recommend flea collars since the effect is localized (limited to the areas around the collar), and the medication can be easily ingested by family members or other pets since it’s not absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream. 

Factors to consider when choosing

Your vet will help you navigate your options for flea and tick preventative medication.

You should consider the following factors as you decide:

• Your pet’s age. Some preventative medications aren’t safe for pets younger than 12 weeks old. 

• Your pet’s weight. All flea and tick preventative medications are dosed by your pet’s weight. Follow your vet’s instructions to get full protection and avoid overdosing. 

• Your pet’s species. Certain flea and tick preventative medications are perfectly safe for dogs but are highly toxic to cats.

• Your pet’s lifestyle. Is your pet a cuddle bug who can’t go a few hours without being pet? Do they have food allergies that might prevent them from taking certain flavors of oral medication? Think about your day-to-day life with your pet and ask your vet if any additional factors might influence your choice. 

Lovet makes flea and tick prevention easy

Not sure where to start? Talk to your Lovet vet. We’ll answer your questions, sort through misconceptions about pest prevention, and help make a treatment plan that’s right for your pet.

Flea & tick prevention FAQs

Do indoor pets need flea and tick prevention? 

Yes, because fleas and ticks can still enter your home on people, other pets, or items.

Is flea and tick prevention safe year-round?

Yes, when appropriately dosed. Making a prevention plan with your vet makes sure your pet is taking the right medication at the right dosage for their age, weight, and lifestyle. 

What’s the best flea and tick prevention for dogs vs cats?

There’s no one-size-fits-all option. The best flea and tick prevention method is one that’s dosed appropriately for your pet — and is something you feel confident administering regularly. 

What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?

Don’t panic! If the tick is attached, remove it carefully by grasping with tweezers as close as possible to your pet’s skin and pulling straight out. As always, you can reach out to your veterinarian for further assistance if you’re unsure. Your vet can help make sure that it was removed, test for tick-borne diseases, and start appropriate treatment if needed. 

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.