Can pet dogs also be infected with fleas in winter

When the cold wind brought the first snow, we put warm sweaters on the dogs and moved their bedding to the heater. However, this seemingly safe winter harbors a deadly parasitic crisis. As a veterinarian with 15 years of experience, I have seen too many owners bring their scratching dogs to the clinic in winter, and they ask in confusion, "Aren't fleas only found in summer?" Today, I will use scientific data and real cases to uncover the health puzzle of this winter.

Fleas are one of the most tenacious parasites in nature, with survival abilities far beyond human imagination. Adults enter dormancy below 50 ° F (10 ° C), but can survive for several months; Larvae can survive for 3 weeks in a 100% humidity environment; Egg eggs can lurk in carpet fibers for up to 2 years. Even more shocking is that when the ambient temperature rises to 65 ° F (18 ° C), these 'vampires' will revive within 48 hours. The heating system in modern homes unintentionally creates an ideal breeding ground for fleas.

There are various ways to infect fleas in winter. The risks brought in by outdoor activities still exist, even in the snow, fleas on stray animals may jump onto dogs. The hidden dangers of indoor breeding cannot be ignored, as insect eggs under carpets and in crevices of sofas hatch in large numbers under heating. In addition, visiting pets or clothing may carry fleas, and the weakened immune system of dogs in winter (such as vitamin D deficiency leading to weakened skin barrier function) also increases the risk of infection.

Identifying the signs of winter flea infection requires careful observation. Frequent scratching of concealed areas such as the back of the ears and abdomen, small red rashes or depilatory patches on the skin, black "flea feces" adhering to the roots of the hair, sudden anxiety or sleep disorders in dogs are all possible signs. It is particularly important to note that the symptoms of infection in elderly dogs and puppies may be more insidious. A 13-year-old dachshund was misdiagnosed with eczema for up to 2 months due to flea induced dermatitis.

Scientific prevention and control of winter flea infections require comprehensive measures. In terms of environmental governance, clean pet bedding with 55 ° C hot water every week, use a steam cleaner to clean carpets and sofas, and place boric acid powder in corners (safe for pets). Long acting topical medications (such as Advantage II) should be chosen for drug prevention once a month; For multi pet families, it is recommended to use oral medication (such as Comforttis) simultaneously; The dosage of medication should be strictly calculated based on body weight. Daily protection includes checking the foot pads and hair immediately after walking the dog, setting up flea pads at the door, and regularly combing the hair (it is recommended to use a fine toothed flea comb).

Breaking the misconception of 'winter safety' is crucial. Many owners believe that 'my dog never goes out', but fleas may be indirectly transmitted through people or objects; The concept of 'no need for deworming in winter' is also incorrect. Laboratory data shows that the breeding cycle of fleas in heated rooms has been shortened to 14 days; The saying 'Fleas only bite stray dogs' is also unfounded, purebred dogs have a higher risk of infection due to their more sensitive skin. I once treated a flea infection for a Yorkshire living in a penthouse apartment, only to discover that the pathogen came from the owner's winter woolen coat.

If a dog is found to be infected with fleas, immediate action should be taken: comb the entire body with a fine toothed flea comb, 3 times a day; Use pet specific insecticidal bath solution for medicinal bathing; Thoroughly disinfect the environment (recommended continuous treatment for 3 weeks); Consult a veterinarian to develop an deworming plan. During treatment, remember to supplement your dog with Omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon oil) to help repair the skin barrier.

When we prepare hot soup for dogs in the cold winter and lay electric blankets on their bedding, don't forget about those invisible small threats. Every deworming is a solemn commitment to life; Every inspection is a gentle response to trust. I will always remember that snowy night when an abandoned Chihuahua trembled in the clinic, covered in red spots from flea bites. After two weeks of treatment, it grew smooth hair again and rubbed its wet nose against my palm. At that moment, I understood that true love is the warm protection that penetrates through the wind and snow.