Ticks No Longer Hibernating Through The Winter

by JADE RISNER

Above is one of many ticks that can be found on pets
Photo by BOSTON25NEWS

Ticks are common concern for many pet owners, especially those who live near fields and woods. Responsible and concerned owners typically keep their pets on flea and tick preventatives year round. Although most owners continue the preventative year round, there are also handfuls of owners who stop the preventative once it gets cold out because they think that the ticks and fleas can't survive in the cold and die. This can be true when temperatures are right, but scientist are finding more and more species of ticks that do not hibernate through the winter. They are not hibernating because it is not getting cold enough for them anymore. 

Vet clinics are seeing a surplus in annual flea and tick sales due to this, but not everyone is ready to purchase the preventative year round. A common recommendation by veterinarians is Simparica. Simparica is a flea and tick preventative. One pill once every thirty days provides a dog with enough protection for a month against fleas and ticks. Owners do not have to purchase a full twelve month supply at once in most clinics, but it usually saves owners more money in the long run. On top of this, owners can also ask about possible rebates or in-house deals going on within the clinic. Most clinics should offer some form of rebate to give buyers some of their money back.

Dogs aren't the only one susceptible to being preyed upon by ticks. Cats can also be preyed upon by them, but most pet cats are kept inside so not all owners worry about preventatives, but fleas and ticks can be brought into homes by humans. So, although the cat may not go outside it doesn't mean that cats are completely immune to the pest. Veterinarians sometimes recommend Revolution plus is a preventative against fleas, ticks, heart-worms, round worms, hook worms and ear mites. Owners can also ask about possible rebates or in-house deals to save a little on the preventative. 
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Owners should keep their pets on flea and tick preventatives year round because of the increased risk of contact with them. It may be costly for the preventatives, but they pay for themselves in the end when compared to possible vet bills if a pet were to contract a disease from the ticks. 

​For more information regarding ticks, risks, and preventatives, owners can contact their local veterinarians.