No Offseason in Parasite Prevention
The landscape of flea and tick risk in pets is shifting, and veterinarians are emphasizing year-round protection more than ever. Dorothy Normile, VMD, associate director of scientific affairs, veterinary professional services at Merck Animal Health, said climate change and expanding parasite populations are driving the trend.
“Ticks have been expanding their geographic ranges in recent decades largely due to warming temperatures,” Dr. Normile explained. “Blacklegged ticks are now establishing in previously low-risk states, and Lyme disease incidence continues to rise. That’s why year-round protection is so important.”
Despite these risks, misconceptions persist. Many pet owners believe fleas and ticks are only a concern during warmer months. “Fleas survive indoors, and ticks can withstand sub-zero temperatures,” Dr. Normile said. “Whenever the temperature rises above freezing, ticks will look for a host. The risk of Lyme disease, tapeworms and other flea- and tick-borne concerns continues year-round.”
Veterinarians now recommend continuous prevention as the standard of care. Fleas survive inside homes and can remain dormant for long periods, while ticks can remain active even during winter warm spells.
New solutions, such as Merck Animal Health’s BRAVECTO QUANTUM, offer once-yearly protection for dogs with a single veterinary-administered dose, ensuring uninterrupted coverage against fleas and most ticks, Dr. Normile said. “Parasites are no longer limited to predictable seasons,” she said. “Continuous protection is the most reliable way to interrupt life cycles and prevent disease transmission before it starts.”
Gaps can undermine safety
Even brief lapses in parasite protection can undo months of preventive care, according to Dr. Normile.
“Clinically, flea populations can rebound rapidly,” she explained. “Missing just one dose creates an opportunity to reestablish the entire life cycle and reinfest your pet and home. For ticks, the risks are equally serious because some species can remain active indoors or during mild winter periods.”
Pet owners often assume colder months reduce the threat, but Dr. Normile said that’s a misconception. Fleas thrive indoors in warm homes, hiding in carpets, furniture and pet bedding. Ticks can survive cold temperatures and become active during mild winter days, or hitch a ride indoors on pets, people or other animals. “Even if pets spend less time outside, exposure can happen indoors or out. Year-round protection is the only reliable way to keep pets safe,” she said.
Compliance, however, remains a challenge. Merck Animal Health’s global survey found that 46% of dog owners struggle to remember doses, while 56% find administration difficult. These gaps can increase disease risk, even in so-called “off-seasons.”
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