does my dog need flea and tick medicine in the winter

If you’ve stashed away the flea collar with the summer gear, you might be wondering: Do I really need to keep up with this in December? New dog owners across the U.S. often assume cold weather kills pests, but the truth is trickier—especially if you live in mild climates or have a cozy home. Let’s sort out when to stay vigilant.

Fleas and ticks don’t just vanish when snow falls. Fleas thrive indoors, where temperatures hover around 70°F—perfect for them to breed on your couch or carpet, even if it’s 20°F outside. A vet in Virginia once showed me a flea infestation in January: “This dog lives in an apartment with radiators. The fleas never left—they just moved inside.” Ticks, too, survive by hiding in leaf piles or tall grass, waiting for a warm body to brush by. In states like North Carolina, where winters are mild, ticks stay active year-round. Even in colder areas like Minnesota, a warm spell (40°F or higher) can wake them up, ready to latch on during a mid-winter walk.

So who needs year-round protection? Dogs who spend time outdoors—even just a few minutes in the yard—should stay on preventatives. Apartment dogs who visit dog parks or groomers are at risk too; fleas hitch rides on other pets. Breeds with thick coats like Golden Retrievers are extra vulnerable—ticks love hiding in all that fur. Talk to your vet about options: oral meds, topical treatments, or collars. They’ll recommend something safe for your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle.

Practical tips for winter care: Check your dog for ticks after walks, especially around the ears and between toes. A tick key (a small tool to remove them) is easier than tweezers—keep one in your coat pocket. For fleas, wash their bed monthly in hot water (130°F kills eggs) and vacuum carpets regularly—this cuts down on indoor infestations, keeping your apartment neighbor-friendly.

Culturally, never use flea or tick products meant for cats—they’re toxic to dogs. And if your pup hates the monthly topical treatment, turn it into a game: Offer a treat before, during, and after. Yelling or holding them down will make them fear “medicine time,” going against America’s focus on positive reinforcement. A friend in Oregon uses “treat puzzles” after applying the medicine—her Border Collie now associates it with fun, not stress.

Compliance checks: While flea/tick meds aren’t legally required, keeping up with core vaccines (rabies, distemper) is. States like California mandate proof, and a vet visit for a tick-borne illness will need that paperwork. And during those winter walks, don’t skip the poop bags—cities like Boston enforce clean-up rules year-round, even when it’s snowing.

In short, winter doesn’t mean a break from pests. A little prevention keeps your dog itch-free and healthy—so you can both enjoy those crisp, sunny winter days.