It is generally advised not to skip NexGard or similar flea and tick prevention during the winter. While risks are lower, pests can survive in milder temperatures or indoors, and maintaining year-round protection prevents infestations, protects against diseases, and makes it easier to remember the monthly dose.

Does my dog need NexGard in winter?

Administer tick protection regularly.

Ticks can be active all year round, even in winter. Be consistent with year-round, monthly tick protection such as NexGard PLUS chews or NexGard chews.

Should NexGard be given year round?

Depending on the severity of an already existing infestation as well as environmental conditions, you may continue to see new fleas jumping on your pet for 3 months or more. To prevent new infestations, continue to consistently give NexGard COMBO topical solution monthly and year-round.

How long can my dog go without NexGard?

Dog Heartworm and Flea Medication: Grace Period Concerns

Heartguard and NexGard protect against heartworms and fleas. A 13-day delay may increase infection risk. Administering the medication promptly is crucial, but consult a vet before resuming if unsure.

Is it necessary to give dogs heartworm medicine in the winter?

Although there are fewer mosquitoes in the winter, there is still a risk that your pet could get heartworms if you stop giving heartworm prevention medication during this season. That's one reason veterinarians strongly recommend pets receive heartworm prevention medication year-round.

Do Ticks Die In The Fall Or Winter? Tick Expert Debunks This Myth

How long can a dog go without heartworm med?

You can generally go about 15 days past the due date before an infection becomes likely, but you should give a missed monthly dose immediately if it's less than two weeks late; if it's been over two weeks, contact your vet, as you might need a heartworm test in about six months to be sure, because heartworm larvae take months to mature. Missing doses leaves your dog vulnerable because preventatives only last a short time in the body, so consistent monthly (or year-round) dosing is crucial. 

Can dogs get heartworms when it's cold?

Heartworm disease happens in all climates, in all 50 states, and at any time during the year. The infection is caused by parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworms don't discriminate based on age—your young pup is just as likely as an older dog to contract heartworm disease.

Can I skip a month of NexGard?

Ensure that your dog receives a NexGard chew once a month (every 30 days) to keep your dog protected all year long.

Does NexGard have a grace period?

If the regular monthly dose is missed and is late by 15 days or less, administer NexGard Spectra immediately and resume your monthly dosing schedule.

Is NexGard really necessary for dogs?

Along with its soft bed, proper nutrition, and plenty of chew toys, you should prioritize flea and tick protection such as NexGard® (afoxolaner) or NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) for additional protection against heartworm disease, hookworms and roundworms.

What are the disadvantages of NexGard?

NexGard® and NexGard® PLUS Possible Side Effects in Dogs

Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite) Dry or itchy skin. Low energy (lethargy) Allergic reactions: hives or facial swelling.

Can a dog get a tick in the winter?

Ticks are active all year round whenever it's above freezing, but they are especially active in the fall and spring as the temperatures are changing between summer and winter. Since ticks love any temperature above freezing, it's best to keep your dog on a year-round flea and tick preventive.

What time of year do dogs get fleas in the winter?

Fleas in winter

Unfortunately, that's not the case. These pests are a threat all year round. With many of us having central heating, we're often keeping our homes at a flea-friendly temperature which plays right into their breeding life cycle.

Does NexGard need to be given year round?

NexGard should be administered at monthly intervals, year-round, to ensure consistent protection. By targeting and killing vector ticks such as the black-legged tick, it effectively reduces the risk of borrelia burgdorferi infections, a direct result of tick bites.

Can fleas live in cold weather?

Are Fleas a Threat in Winter? When temperatures drop, it's a common belief that fleas are no longer a concern. However, these tiny pests are more resilient than you might think. Even in colder climates, fleas can survive and continue to pose a threat to our pets.

Is Nexgard safer than Frontline?

Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and Nexgard has been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. However, unlike Frontline Plus, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Nexgard chewable tablets are not available for cats.

What scent do fleas hate the most?

– what smells do fleas absolutely hate? Due to their sensitive sensory systems, certain natural scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and citronella are extremely off-putting to fleas. These scents not only repel adult fleas but can also disrupt their ability to detect a host, effectively breaking the cycle of infestation.

What flea treatment to avoid for dogs?

The active ingredients, such as pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and organophosphates, are designed to kill fleas but can be harmful to pets if they are exposed to too much of them. Flea control product toxicity is rare but can occur, especially when a product intended for dogs is used on a cat.

Can you skip NexGard in the winter?

Is Tick and Flea Medication Necessary in the Winter? Yes. Though many species of ticks, and fleas, are slowed down or dormant during the winter, most regions of the United States are not cold enough to truly kill these parasites and stop their activity.

What are the worst months for fleas on dogs?

While fleas and ticks can survive in various conditions, they thrive in warm and humid weather. For most regions, late spring through early fall is their prime season. During these months, pets spending time outdoors are more likely to encounter these pests in grass, wooded areas, or even your backyard.

Do I need to give my dog heartworm meds in the winter?

Heartworm disease is a serious threat to our beloved dogs, and year-round prevention is the most effective way to combat it. By maintaining a consistent preventive regimen, regardless of the season or geographical location, we can ensure the well-being and longevity of our four-legged companions.

What are the first signs of heartworm?

Early heartworm symptoms in dogs are subtle, often missed, and include a mild, persistent cough, lethargy or exercise intolerance, and unusual fatigue after activity, while later signs involve significant weight loss, trouble breathing, or a swollen abdomen, emphasizing the need for prevention and regular testing.

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