Many pet owners assume winter means a break from fleas and ticks. After all, it’s cold, snowy, and below freezing — surely parasites can’t survive, right?
Unfortunately, that’s one of the most common (and costly) misconceptions veterinarians see every winter.
At Healthy Pets of Ohio, we treat flea- and tick-related issues year-round, and January is often when problems quietly start — only to explode in early spring.
Here’s why cold weather does not eliminate parasites, and why stopping prevention in winter can put your pet at risk.
Fleas Don’t Need Warm Weather — They Need Warm Homes
While freezing outdoor temperatures can kill adult fleas, that’s only part of the story.
Most flea infestations don’t begin outside in January — they begin inside your home.
Why fleas survive winter:
- Fleas lay eggs in carpets, bedding, couches, and cracks in flooring
- Homes stay warm and humid enough for eggs to hatch year-round
- Eggs and larvae can remain dormant for weeks or months
- One untreated pet can restart a full infestation indoors
By the time you see fleas in late winter or early spring, the infestation has often been growing for weeks.
Ticks Are Shockingly Cold-Resistant
Ticks are far more resilient than most people realize.
Many species common in Ohio — including deer ticks and dog ticks — can survive freezing temperatures by:
- Burrowing under leaves, mulch, and soil
- Attaching to wildlife like deer, rodents, and birds
- Becoming active anytime temperatures rise above freezing (even briefly)
That means a mild January afternoon, thaw, or winter hike can still expose your pet to ticks — and the diseases they carry.
Winter Is When Prevention Gaps Start
One of the biggest reasons we see flea and tick problems in early spring is inconsistent prevention during winter.
When preventives are skipped:
- Fleas complete their life cycle unnoticed indoors
- Ticks reattach as soon as conditions allow
- Pets lose continuous protection needed to interrupt parasite reproduction
By March or April, pet owners often face:
- Severe itching and skin infections
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Anemia in young or small pets
- Costly home treatments and repeated veterinary visits
Preventing parasites is far easier — and less expensive — than treating an infestation.
Parasites Carry Serious Health Risks
Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying. They can transmit serious diseases that affect pets long after the parasites are gone.
Flea-related risks:
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Tapeworm infections
- Secondary skin infections
- Hair loss and chronic itching
Tick-borne diseases in Ohio include:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Many of these illnesses cause vague early symptoms, making them harder to diagnose once they progress.
Year-Round Prevention Is the Safest Plan
Veterinarians recommend consistent, year-round parasite prevention because it:
- Breaks the flea life cycle
- Prevents ticks from attaching long enough to transmit disease
- Protects indoor and outdoor pets
- Reduces the risk of home infestations
At Healthy Pets of Ohio, we help pet owners choose the right preventive based on:
- Your pet’s lifestyle
- Age and health history
- Local parasite risks
- Ease of use and compliance
Why January Is the Perfect Time to Stay Protected
January is actually one of the best times to review your pet’s parasite prevention plan because:
- You can prevent spring infestations before they start
- Pets often visit the vet less frequently later in winter
- Catching issues early avoids emergency visits later
- It keeps protection consistent and uninterrupted
If you’re unsure whether your pet is fully protected, a quick check-in with your veterinarian can make all the difference.
Protect Your Pet — Even in Winter
Cold weather doesn’t eliminate fleas and ticks — it just hides them.
Keeping your pet protected in January helps ensure a healthier, itch-free, parasite-free year ahead.
If you have questions about flea and tick prevention or need help choosing the right option for your pet, Healthy Pets of Ohio is here to help — with convenient locations and trusted veterinary care throughout Central Ohio.