Quick answer: Many vets now recommend flea and tick prevention for dogs all year, because ticks can be active on mild winter days and fleas can live indoors through the cold. If your dog is not on year round prevention, start before spring warms up, ideally by early March in many areas, and ask your vet which product suits your dog's age, weight, health and lifestyle. Weigh your dog, give the right dose on schedule and never use dog products on cats. Check your dog for ticks after every walk, and remove ticks with fine tipped tweezers by pulling slowly and steadily.

Why do dogs need flea and tick prevention?

Fleas are more than itchy. Fleas bite and feed on your dog's blood, causing itching, scratching and irritated skin. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva and can develop red, scabby skin and hair loss from just a few bites, a condition called flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas can also spread tapeworms if a dog swallows an infected flea while grooming, and heavy infestations can cause anemia, especially in puppies and small dogs.

Ticks can spread disease. Ticks attach to the skin and feed for days. While feeding, some ticks can pass on diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can cause fever, joint pain, lameness, tiredness and, in some cases, serious kidney or blood problems.

Infestations spread fast. A single female flea can lay many eggs a day, which fall off your dog into carpets, bedding and furniture. By the time you notice fleas on your dog, there may be many more in your home. Prevention stops the cycle before it starts.

People and other pets are affected too. Fleas bite people and can move between pets in the home. Ticks can drop off your dog inside and later attach to a family member. Protecting your dog helps protect your whole household.

When should I start flea and tick prevention?

Year round is often recommended. Many vets now recommend flea and tick prevention all year, not just in summer. Ticks can become active on mild winter days when temperatures rise above freezing, and fleas can live and breed indoors in warm homes through the winter. Year round protection avoids gaps that let parasites take hold.

If you take a winter break, start early. Some dog parents in very cold climates pause prevention in the depths of winter, after talking with their vet. If you do, restart before spring warms up, ideally by early March in many areas, or earlier if you live somewhere with mild winters. Do not wait until you see fleas or ticks.

Think about your area. Flea and tick risk varies by region, climate and local wildlife. Areas with woods, tall grass, deer and other wildlife often have more ticks. Your vet knows the local risks and can advise the best timing for your dog.

Use the daylight saving reminder. The spring clock change is a handy reminder to check your dog's prevention schedule. Our guide on daylight saving time and your dog has more spring routine tips.

Which dogs are at higher risk?

Outdoor and active dogs. Dogs who hike, camp, hunt, swim or spend lots of time in yards, parks, fields and woods are more likely to meet ticks and fleas. Our guide on running with your dog covers trail safety for active dogs.

Dogs who meet other animals. Dogs who go to daycare, boarding, groomers, dog parks or homes with other pets can pick up fleas from other animals. Our guide on choosing doggy daycare or a dog walker explains what to ask about parasite policies.

Dogs in tick heavy areas. Some regions have high rates of Lyme disease and other tick borne illnesses. Your vet can tell you how common they are near you.

Indoor dogs still need protection. Even dogs who mostly stay indoors can get fleas and ticks from short potty trips, from other pets or from people bringing them in on clothing. Indoor dogs usually still benefit from prevention.

What types of flea and tick prevention are there?

Oral chewables. These are flavored chews given by mouth, usually once a month or every few months, depending on the product. Many protect against both fleas and ticks, and some also protect against heartworm and intestinal worms. They are not affected by baths or swimming. Most are prescription products.

Topical spot on treatments. These are liquids applied to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades, once a month. They spread through the oils in the skin. Some products should not be used right before or after bathing or swimming, so check the directions.

Collars. Some flea and tick collars release medication slowly over several months. Choose a collar recommended by your vet, fit it correctly and check it regularly. Remove it if your dog has a skin reaction.

Shampoos and sprays. Flea shampoos and sprays can kill fleas on contact, but they usually do not provide lasting protection. They are best used alongside a longer acting product, as advised by your vet.

How do I choose the right product for my dog?

Talk to your vet. Your vet will recommend a product based on your dog's age, weight, breed, health, lifestyle and local parasite risks. Some products are not suitable for puppies under a certain age or weight, pregnant or nursing dogs or dogs with certain health conditions, such as a history of seizures.

Consider your household. If you have cats, avoid dog products that contain permethrin, which is very toxic to cats. Cats can be harmed just by close contact with a dog who was recently treated. Ask your vet for options that are safe in a home with cats.

Think about convenience. Some families prefer a monthly chew, while others like a topical or a long lasting collar. Choose the form you are most likely to give on time.

Buy from trusted sources. Purchase products from your vet or a reputable pharmacy to avoid counterfeit products. Check the label for the correct weight range and expiration date.

How do I give flea and tick prevention safely?

Weigh your dog. Most products are dosed by weight. Weigh your dog regularly, especially puppies who grow quickly, and use the product for your dog's current weight range.

Never split or share doses. Do not split a large dog dose between small dogs or use a dog product on a cat. Doses are carefully measured, and splitting can lead to under or overdosing.

Follow the schedule. Give the product on time, every time. Set a phone reminder or use the stickers that come with many products. Our guide on sharing dog care as a family has a simple chart idea so nobody forgets.

Watch for side effects. Mild skin irritation, vomiting or tiredness can happen with some products. Call your vet if your dog has a reaction, such as severe itching, drooling, wobbliness, tremors or seizures. Keep the packaging to share with your vet.

Do natural flea and tick remedies work?

Many are not proven. Natural products and home remedies are popular, but many have little evidence that they prevent fleas or ticks well enough to protect your dog from disease.

Some can be harmful. Garlic is often suggested as a natural flea repellent, but garlic is toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells. Essential oils like tea tree oil, pennyroyal and some citrus oils can cause skin irritation, drooling, wobbliness or more serious problems in dogs and especially cats.

Natural does not mean safe. Even products labeled natural can contain ingredients that are harmful in the wrong dose. Always check with your vet before using any home remedy.

Combine good habits with proven prevention. Regular grooming, tick checks, a tidy yard and clean bedding all help, but they work best alongside a vet recommended product.

How do I check my dog for ticks?

Check after every walk. Ticks are often found after walks in grass, woods, fields and even urban parks. Check your dog as soon as you get home, before they settle on the couch or bed.

Know where to look. Ticks like warm, hidden spots. Check inside and around the ears, around the eyes, under the collar, between the toes, under the legs, around the tail and on the belly.

Use your fingers. Run your fingers slowly through your dog's coat, pressing gently to feel for small bumps. Ticks can be as tiny as a poppy seed before they feed and grow much larger once they are full.

Brush and comb. A fine toothed comb can help find fleas, flea dirt and ticks. Flea dirt looks like tiny black specks that turn red when placed on a damp paper towel. Our guide on spring shedding in dogs has brushing tips.

How do I remove a tick from my dog?

Use fine tipped tweezers or a tick tool. Grasp the tick as close to your dog's skin as possible. Pull upward slowly and steadily without twisting or jerking. Twisting can leave parts of the mouth in the skin.

Do not use home tricks. Do not burn the tick, cover it in petroleum jelly, nail polish or alcohol while it is attached or squeeze its body. These can make the tick release more fluid into your dog.

Clean the area. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or a pet safe antiseptic. Watch the spot for a few days for redness or swelling.

Keep or dispose of the tick. Place the tick in a sealed bag or container with a little rubbing alcohol. You can keep it to show your vet if your dog becomes unwell. Write down the date and where you think your dog picked it up.

Which tick borne diseases should I know about?

Lyme disease. Spread by blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks. Signs in dogs can include fever, lameness that shifts between legs, swollen joints, tiredness and loss of appetite. Some dogs show no signs. A Lyme vaccine is available, and your vet can advise whether it is right for your dog.

Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. These bacterial infections can cause fever, tiredness, joint pain, bleeding problems and weight loss. They are spread by different tick species depending on the region.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Spread by some ticks, this illness can cause fever, joint pain, vomiting and other serious signs.

Testing helps. Your vet may recommend a yearly blood test that checks for heartworm and some tick borne diseases. Early detection makes treatment easier.

How do I know if my dog has fleas?

Scratching and biting. Dogs with fleas often scratch, lick or chew their skin, especially near the base of the tail, the back legs and the belly.

Flea dirt. Look for tiny black specks in your dog's coat or bedding. Place them on a damp paper towel. If they turn reddish brown, they are likely flea dirt, which is digested blood.

Red skin and hair loss. Flea bites can cause small red bumps, scabs and thinning hair. Dogs with flea allergies may have more severe reactions.

Visible fleas. Fleas are small, dark brown and move fast. Part the fur and look near the skin, especially around the tail and belly.

How do I treat my home and yard for fleas?

Treat all pets. If one pet has fleas, treat all pets in the home with products your vet recommends. Remember that some dog products are dangerous for cats.

Clean thoroughly. Vacuum floors, rugs and furniture daily for a few weeks and empty the vacuum outside. Wash pet bedding, blankets and throws in hot water. Our guide on choosing the right dog bed includes tips on washable beds.

Be patient. Flea eggs and pupae can survive for weeks in the home. It can take several weeks of consistent treatment to break the flea life cycle.

Manage the yard. Keep grass short, remove leaf litter and brush and create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas. Discourage wildlife by securing trash and removing food sources.

What about flea and tick prevention when traveling?

Check before you go. If you travel with your dog to a new region, ask your vet about local parasites. Some areas have higher risks for certain ticks and diseases.

Keep up with the schedule. Pack enough doses for the trip and set reminders.

Check more often. Check your dog for ticks after hikes and outdoor time on vacation.

Pack a tick kit. Bring tweezers or a tick tool, a sealable bag and antiseptic wipes. Our guide on traveling with your dog has a full packing list.

Is flea and tick prevention worth the cost?

Prevention is cheaper than treatment. Treating a flea infestation in your home, a skin infection or a tick borne disease can cost far more than regular prevention.

Build it into your budget. Plan for prevention as part of your dog's yearly costs. Our guide on how much a dog costs per year can help you plan.

Ask about combined products. Some products protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms in one dose, which may be more convenient.

Check insurance and wellness plans. Some pet wellness plans include parasite prevention. Our guide on pet insurance for dogs explained explains the options.

Should I think about heartworm too?

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Heartworm is a serious disease spread by mosquito bites. The worms live in the heart and lungs and can cause coughing, tiredness, weight loss and heart failure. It is much easier to prevent than to treat.

Many products combine protection. Some prescription products protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms in one dose. Ask your vet whether a combined product makes sense for your dog.

Yearly testing matters. Most vets recommend a yearly heartworm test, even for dogs on prevention, to make sure the prevention is working. Many tests also check for some tick borne diseases.

Start before mosquito season. Like flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention is often recommended all year. Ask your vet what is right in your area. Our guide on year end dog health checklist has more care reminders.

When should I call my vet?

Signs of illness after a tick bite. Fever, lameness, swollen joints, tiredness, loss of appetite or bleeding problems after a tick bite need a vet visit.

Severe itching or skin problems. Constant scratching, hair loss, sores or red skin may mean fleas, an allergy or an infection.

A reaction to a product. Drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors or seizures after applying prevention need urgent care.

Pale gums or weakness. In puppies and small dogs, heavy flea infestations can cause anemia. Pale gums, weakness or fast breathing need a vet right away.

• Year round prevention is often recommended.
• Start before spring if you take a winter break.
• Choose with your vet by weight and lifestyle.
• Never use dog products on cats.
• Check for ticks after every walk.

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When should I start flea and tick prevention?

Many vets recommend year round prevention. If you take a winter break, restart before spring warms up, ideally by early March in many areas.

Do dogs need flea prevention in winter?

Often yes. Fleas can live indoors through winter, and ticks can be active on mild days above freezing.

What is the best flea and tick prevention for dogs?

It depends on your dog's age, weight, health and lifestyle. Your vet can recommend the best product.

Can I use dog flea treatment on my cat?

No. Some dog products contain permethrin, which is very toxic to cats. Always use products made for each species.

How do I remove a tick from my dog?

Use fine tipped tweezers, grasp close to the skin and pull upward slowly and steadily without twisting.

Is garlic safe for flea prevention?

No. Garlic is toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells. Use a vet recommended product instead.

What are signs of Lyme disease in dogs?

Fever, lameness that moves between legs, swollen joints, tiredness and loss of appetite. Some dogs show no signs.

Is there a Lyme vaccine for dogs?

Yes. Ask your vet whether it is right for your dog based on your area and lifestyle.

How do I know if my dog has fleas?

Look for scratching, flea dirt that turns red on a damp towel, red bumps near the tail and fast moving brown insects.

Do indoor dogs need flea and tick prevention?

Usually yes. Fleas and ticks can come in on other pets, people or short trips outside.