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Our cold winters don’t bring many benefits, but for some of us, we enjoy the fact that there are typically fewer creepy crawlies around. Plus, winter usually means fewer bugs and flies annoying our pets.
But what about those itchy fleas? Can dogs still get them in the winter? Are fleas typically less active when the weather turns, and does treatment stay the same?
Here, we discuss fleas in winter, whether dogs can still get them, and if you still need to keep up your flea treatment in the colder months.
Can dogs still get fleas in winter?
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Yes, dogs can still get fleas in winter. While flea infestations are less likely outdoors in the cold, our warm homes keep fleas comfortable even during colder months.
Plus, fleas are incredibly resilient creatures, and the species has seen more than a few winters, so they know how to survive.
How do dogs get fleas in winter?
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It’s similar to the spring and summer. Fleas jump onto your dog’s skin and then infest them. In colder weather, fleas may be more drawn to your dog’s fur as it’s a place of warmth, especially if your dog has activated any larvae somewhere, like an animal burrow.
Your dog will get fleas when they comes into contact with other infested animals or by being in an environment that has them, like carpets and rugs.
Do fleas prefer warmer weather?
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Yes. Fleas are less active in the winter. They prefer warm, humid conditions, like late spring and summer. They like the heat and humidity as it speeds up their life cycle, which, in the world of bugs, means faster reproduction and more numbers.
So, why are they still around in the cold winters of Britain? It’s because of our central heating, which allows fleas to reproduce and survive all year.
How warmth and humidity impact fleas
Faster life cycle - As mentioned, warmth and heat reduce the time for fleas to develop from egg to adult, which leads to more fleas in less time.
Increased activity - Warmer temperatures increase the activity level of bugs like fleas.
Rapid reproduction - The volume of eggs fleas lay increases in warmer weather, leading to more rapid infestations.
How our central heating maintains the indoor flea cycle
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There are four stages to the flea life cycle and, usually, winter disrupts it. But since we have central heating in Britain, it creates a sanctuary for fleas to continue thriving,
These stages are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Cold weather usually halts or slows down the first three stages. But central heating maintains them.
Here’s how fleas in the wild during winter would fare versus fleas in our heated homes:
| Life stage | Outdoors in winter | Indoors in winter |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | Halted development or eggs killed in freezing temperatures. | Optimum temperature (room temperature or slightly warmer) allows eggs to hatch rapidly (within 2-14 days). |
| Larva | Reduced activity, with stalled development. Sometimes, the larva dies. | Larvae, especially if living somewhere like your carpets, develop quickly, taking about 4-18 days. |
| Pupa | The cocoon enters an extended pupal stage (like hiberation), meaning they'll wait months for warm weather or movement from a host. | Warmth from the home and lots of vibrations from your pets and yourself cause quick emergence from the cocoon. |
| Adult | Survival is entirely dependent on finding a warm-blooded host or insulted nest. | The adult finds a host easily (your pets) and the warmth allows them to feed, mate and lay up to 50 eggs per day year-round. |
Do fleas die in the winter?
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No, fleas don’t die in the winter, even in the wild. Their numbers will almost certainly reduce. But these resilient creatures have several survival methods in colder temperatures, like:
Extended pupal stage
When fleas are in a cocoon - known as the pupal stage - they can stay in this state for a long time. This cocoon keeps them protected from the cold, and they can lie dormant for months. This allows them to effectively hibernate through the colder months, waiting for warm weather or the vibrations of a host to trigger their emergence.
Insulated nests
Fleas will seek out insulated burrows or nests of their hosts in the wild to stop them from freezing. These animal burrows can become a hotbed of parasites for this reason. It’s one reason why you should try to keep your dog out of burrows on walks.
Surviving in your nice, warm home
Now, this is why your dog can still have infestations in winter: your warm, toasty home! Central heating keeps us and our pets comfortable in the colder months, but it does give fleas an ideal environment to carry on living through the winter.
Warm-blooded wildlife
Fleas can stay on warm-blooded animals through the winter, especially in the wild, giving them warmth and sustenance year-round. But the primary source of fleas for your dog in winter will be inside your home or other buildings.
Should I keep up flea treatment in winter?
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We recommend keeping up flea treatments even in winter. Like we’ve mentioned above, fleas are still possible in the colder months.
Our guide on treating fleas can discuss more, but remember that flea treatment isn’t just about medication. It’s as much about cleaning the home as it is treating the pet:
Disposing of vacuum bags
Make sure you get rid of your vacuum bag or any vacuumed-up debris, as this can be a major source of eggs hatching and spreading.
Keeping your dog’s fur groomed
Regular grooming, especially if you use a flea comb, can help reduce fleas. Pay particular attention to the armpits and neck.
Regular vacuuming
We’re sure you’re on top of this already, but vacuuming all carpets, floors, furniture, and rugs, especially near your pet’s resting place, can reduce fleas.
Try household sprays
Some pet parents have seen success with pet-safe flea spray, but follow product instructions and make sure you’re not buying anything too toxic.
Washing bedding
Wash all pet bedding, including cushions, in hot water. Fleas may like the heat, but even they have their limits, and very hot temperatures will kill them.
Our video guide from Dr. Kirsten Ronngren can help, too:
How we can help
Dog insurance is there to help with unexpected health issues, and our Complete Care plan has up to £20,000 vet fee cover. Plus, all of our plans include 24/7 video vet calls and access to handpicked Perks.
Plus, our flea, tick and worm plan can help you keep up your dog's hygiene routine month-to-month, even when the weather gets colder.
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