can dogs get ticks in the winter

It’s 3 p.m. on a humid July day in Atlanta, and you rush into your apartment, heart pounding. Your golden retriever, Bella, is lying on the floor, panting heavily, her tongue swollen and eyes glassy. You checked the thermostat before leaving—it said 78°F, but the sun blazing through the windows made the room feel much hotter. “Can she get better if I take care of her here?” you wonder, grabbing a towel to wet it. If you’re a new dog owner, heat stroke brings a mix of panic and hope, but the truth is: recovering from heat stroke at home alone is rarely safe, and understanding why means blending biology, caution, and responsible pet care habits.

Heat stroke damages a dog’s body in ways you can’t see. When a dog’s temperature hits 104°F or higher, their organs start overheating—kidneys, brain, and heart take the worst hit. Unlike a mild fever, this isn’t something their body can “fight off” with rest. A vet in Charlotte treated a beagle last summer whose owner tried home recovery: “They cooled him down, but by the next morning, his kidneys were failing—internal damage doesn’t show up right away.” Dogs cool through panting, but once their system is overwhelmed, they can’t regulate temperature on their own. Even if Bella stops panting and drinks water, hidden issues like organ inflammation or blood clots can develop hours later, turning a “good recovery” into a crisis.

You can take emergency steps at home, but they’re just the first move, not the solution. Move her to air conditioning, wet her belly, armpits, and paw pads with lukewarm (not cold) water, and offer small sips of water—never force it. But then, call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Vets have tools to check for internal damage: blood tests, IV fluids to prevent dehydration, and medications to reduce inflammation. Skipping this step is risky—vets in Houston report that 30% of dogs who “seemed better” at home ended up with severe complications within 24 hours.

Caring for a heat stroke dog also ties to responsible pet ownership. First, stay legal: rabies vaccines are mandatory in all U.S. states, and keeping records helps if emergency vets ask. When Bella recovers, adjust your routine—avoid midday walks, keep curtains closed, and check apartment AC rules (many complexes require working cooling for pet safety). If she’s anxious post-recovery, never scold her; comfort her with treats and soft praise—positive reinforcement builds trust during stress. And always carry water and poop bags on walks, even short ones—cities like Miami fine up to $200 for leaving waste, a small part of being a good neighbor.

Heat stroke recovery needs professional care, but your quick home steps buy critical time. Watch Bella now, in the vet’s office, IV drip in her paw, tail giving a weak thump when you speak. With their help, she’ll heal—but home alone? That’s a risk no loving owner should take.

dog heat stroke recovery, home heat stroke care, canine heat emergency

Can dogs get ticks in the winter

It’s a crisp December morning in Portland, and you’re bundled up, walking your terrier mix, Charlie, through the neighborhood park. He stops to sniff a bush, and when you pull him away, you notice a tiny dark spot on his ear—a tick, barely bigger than a pinhead. “Ticks in winter?” you gasp, plucking it off with tweezers. If you’re a new dog owner, you probably thought ticks vanished with summer, but the truth is: winter ticks are more common than you think, and understanding why means blending biology, prevention habits, and community pet care norms.

Ticks don’t disappear when the temperature drops—they just slow down. These tiny parasites survive cold snaps by hiding in leaf piles, tall grass, or even inside warm spaces like sheds or under decks. In milder climates (think the Pacific Northwest or Southern states), winter temps often hover between 40–50°F—perfect for ticks to stay active. Even in colder areas like Minnesota, a warm spell (32°F or above) can wake them up. A vet in Seattle shared a story from last January: a husky came in with five ticks after a walk in a wooded park, where the sun-warmed brush kept temps just high enough for ticks to hunt. Ticks need blood to survive, and your dog’s warm body is a perfect target, no matter the season.

Preventing winter ticks means adjusting your routine, not skipping it. After walks, check Charlie thoroughly—pay extra attention to ears, armpits, and between toes, where ticks love to hide. Use a vet-recommended tick preventative year-round; products with fipronil or permethrin work even in cold weather (ask your vet which fits your area). Keep your yard tidy: rake leaf piles and trim tall grass, as ticks thrive in unkempt areas. In apartments, check your dog’s bedding weekly—ticks can hitch a ride on shoes or clothing and drop off inside. A common mistake? Stopping preventative meds in fall—vets in Boston see a spike in tick-borne diseases like Lyme in March, from winter bites that went untreated.

Winter tick care ties into being a responsible community member. Stay on top of mandatory care: rabies vaccines are required in all U.S. states, and many dog parks check records. When walking, always carry poop bags—cities like Denver fine up to $100 for leaving waste, and it keeps shared spaces clean. If Charlie fusses during tick checks, never scold him—offer treats after each gentle pat, turning it into bonding time. In apartments, clean up any debris from walks to avoid bringing ticks indoors, and let neighbors know if you spot ticks in shared green spaces—community awareness keeps everyone’s pets safe.

Ticks don’t take winter vacations, but with vigilance, your dog can stay protected. Watch Charlie now, napping by the window, no ticks in sight, his tail thumping as you set down his post-walk treat. Safe, healthy, and cozy—that’s the winter goal for every pup.