May 7, 2025 –
Thank you to Midtown Veterinary Medical Center for guest writing this blog, as part of a sponsorship program. To learn more, visit midtownvmc.com.
As the weather warms up, people start thinking about flea and tick preventatives for their pets. There are a lot of misconceptions around skin parasites in northern Colorado, so what are the facts? Let’s break down the common myths we hear in the veterinary office:
“There are no fleas or ticks in northern Colorado”
I hear this one on a daily or weekly basis! The fact is, we DO have fleas and ticks in Colorado, especially in northern Colorado. Wild animals such as coyotes, mountain lions, squirrels, rabbits, mice and prairie dogs have flea infestations. Fleas can transmit diseases like tapeworms and even bubonic plague!
There are also many species of ticks in northern Colorado. Ticks spread dangerous diseases to pets such as anaplasma, ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ehrlichia, for example, can cause a serious blood disease, but can also increase your dog’s risk of kidney damage by over 100%.
“Pets don’t need flea and tick preventatives in the winter, because the fleas are all dead”
The truth is pets need parasite control year-round. Fleas are especially cold resistant. Adult fleas are active when average temperatures are above 45°F. Immature fleas can go dormant and survive even colder temperatures. Fleas also survive the winter by staying on animals such as squirrels, rabbits and prairie dogs. That means your pet is potentially exposed every time they go outside, because we all know how many rabbits and squirrels visit our backyards!
“Indoor-only pets don’t need flea and tick preventatives”
This is another major misconception. Fleas and ticks can hitch a ride inside your house on your clothes or other pets (like your dogs). Ticks sit on the end of blades of grass and reach up to grab animals or people passing by. Fleas can jump significant distances to get onto your clothes or pet. You never know what bugs you’re bringing inside. I often see indoor only cats in the winter who have flea infestations because the fleas are on the hunt for a warm body and get a ride in on you!
Talk to your veterinarian about the best flea and tick preventative for your pets. There are many options to choose from, and your vet will help you figure out a solution that works for not only your pet, but also for your family. Don’t get fooled by these pesky pests. Protect your pet!
