When fleas or ticks bite your pooch, he becomes miserable with the itching, skin irritation and other discomforts from the parasites. We pet parents aren’t happy either, as the pests can spread and infest our other pets and our homes.

First, is there truly a flea and tick season for dogs?

Different regions of the United States, with their varying climates and nature clocks, may have particular seasons for fleas and/or ticks, to a degree. But unlike Christmas and Halloween, parasites that bug your dog aren’t necessarily seasonal, says Dr. Michelle Matusicky, D.V.M., assistant professor — practice at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“It is a common misconception that fleas and ticks have a season,” Matusicky says. “They have a life cycle that is constantly replicating.

“Sure, it is more common for a flea infestation to begin in the spring or summer seasons, but it can take months to get rid of completely,” she says. “If not properly cleared, they can set up in your home and live quite comfortably throughout the winter months.”

Fleas and ticks appear all over the United States, but each region of the United States has some minor differences. Fleas come in more than 1,000 different species, but the types of fleas that bite cats and dogs are fairly uniform. Ticks come in several distinctive varieties.

Preventing fleas and ticks on dogs

As always, talk to your veterinarian about preventative treatments for your dog to combat fleas and ticks.

These links might help as well: 

• 10 Tips to a Flea-Free Home
• 5 Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs
• Let’s Talk Tick Paralysis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
• Lyme Disease in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

For specific information about fleas and ticks in your area, head to these links:

1. Northwest Guide to Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
2. Southwest Guide to Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
3. Midwest Guide to Flleas and Ticks on Dogs
4. Northeast Guide to Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
5. Southeast Guide to Fleas and Ticks on Dogs

Thumbnail: Photography by adogslifephoto/Thinkstock. 

It’s Flea and Tick Week sponsored by Andis on Dogster.com. Stay tuned for more tips on how to keep your dog and household safe from fleas and ticks!