Do fleas and ticks die during the winter?

I.M. Itchy

Dear Itchy,

Yes, and no. Outdoor fleas die in winter and ticks do not feed during the coldest months. But, fleas are primarily an indoor problem. Eggs, larvae and cocoons are found in carpets and bedding indoors. In dry cool weather, the flea life cycle lengthens and fleas stay in their cocoon stage for months. Your pet's presence on carpets or beds stimulates the fleas to emerge from their cocoons and get onto your pet. If you have not used your monthly flea control, they can feed and lay eggs thereby continuing their life cycle inside the house.

Ticks have two peak feeding times, spring and fall. The fall feeding period lasts as late as December and the spring feeding period can begin as early as February so they are a risk for most of the year. The safest play is to use flea and tick control once a month EVERY month.

Dr. B

Be sure to consider what adoption entails when you think about acquiring another family member. Can you commit to the responsibilities involved in caring for an animal for his or her lifetime?

Will you be able to budget for the pet's food, Dr. visits, vaccinations, behavioral training, boarding during your work hours, vacations, or illnesses?

You may want to ask yourself these questions
before adopting a pet:

"Green-Eyed Lady" named Xena is available for adoption to a good home. She's a middle-aged domestic short haired feline who is happy to sit under a chair or stool. She's shy but curious once she gets comfortable in her surroundings. She would do well in a home with older children and without canines. She has been examined, treated for her health problems and is ready to find a new family.