Pawliday Inn
In colder parts of the country, a hard freeze knocks back fleas and ticks for a few months. Houston doesn't get many of those. Warm temperatures, high humidity and mild winters mean flea and tick prevention in Houston is a year-round job, not a summer one. This guide explains why, what to look for on your dog, and how to work with your vet on a plan.
Why Houston doesn't really have an off-season
Fleas thrive in warm, humid conditions, which describes much of the year here. Ticks are active in warm weather too, and they hide in tall grass, brush and wooded edges, including along bayou trails and greenbelts.
Even when it does get cold, it usually doesn't stay cold for long. Fleas can also keep going indoors, where it's warm all winter. That's why many vets in warm, humid climates like ours recommend keeping dogs on prevention all year instead of stopping in the fall.
If you've recently moved here from somewhere with real winters, this is one of the biggest habit changes to make.
Why it matters
Fleas and ticks are more than an itch.
- Fleas can cause intense itching, skin irritation and allergic reactions. They can also spread tapeworms when a dog swallows an infected flea while grooming. A small flea problem can turn into a household infestation fast, since most of the flea population lives in the environment, not on the dog.
- Ticks can carry diseases that affect dogs, and some of those can affect people too. Ticks also cause irritation or infection where they bite.
Your vet can tell you which tick-borne diseases are a concern in our area and whether testing makes sense for your dog.
Where Houston dogs pick them up
Your dog doesn't have to go hiking to find fleas or ticks. Common spots:
- Your own backyard, especially shady, damp corners and tall grass along fences
- Bayou trails, parks and greenbelts
- Dog parks and other places many dogs visit
- Wildlife and stray animals passing through the yard
- Visits to relatives with untreated pets
How to check your dog
A quick check after walks, especially after time in grass or brush, catches problems early.
- Run your hands over your dog. Feel for small bumps, especially around the head, ears, neck, armpits, belly, between the toes and under the tail.
- Part the fur. Look for fleas moving or "flea dirt," tiny dark specks that turn reddish when placed on a damp paper towel.
- Check the ears and toes closely. Ticks like warm, hidden spots.
- Watch behavior. Sudden scratching, chewing at the base of the tail or licking the paws can be a sign.
If you find a tick, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily. Clean the area afterward. If you're unsure, or the area looks red or swollen afterward, call your vet.
Choosing prevention with your vet
There are several types of flea and tick prevention for dogs, including oral medications, topical treatments and collars. They work differently, cover different parasites and have different safety considerations.
Talk to your vet about:
- Which product fits your dog's age, weight, health and lifestyle
- Whether it covers both fleas and ticks
- How often to give it, and what to do if you miss a dose
- Whether other pets in the house need treatment too
Don't use products meant for one species on another, and don't split or combine products unless your vet tells you to.
Prevention and daycare or boarding
Group settings are one reason prevention matters so much. At Pawliday Inn, every daycare and boarding dog needs regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention, along with current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations. That protects your dog and every other dog in the yard. Our article on vaccines required for boarding and daycare covers the vaccine side.
If you're packing for a stay, make sure your dog's next dose won't fall due while they're with us, or bring it with written instructions. Our packing list for dog boarding has the rest.
Grooming helps you stay ahead
Regular baths and brushing make it easier to spot fleas and ticks early. Every grooming package at Pawliday Inn includes a bath and brush, and the Top Dawg add-on includes flea and tick care. That's a helpful extra, but it doesn't replace monthly or ongoing prevention from your vet. See dog grooming in Houston for details, and current rates on our homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need flea prevention in winter in Houston?
Many vets recommend it. Houston winters are usually mild, and fleas can survive indoors. Ask your vet what they recommend for your dog.
My dog is on prevention but I still found a flea. What now?
It can happen, especially if there's an infestation in the yard or home. Call your vet. They may suggest treating the home, treating other pets, or switching products.
Can I use my cat's flea medicine on my dog?
No. Use only products made for dogs, at the right dose for your dog's weight, as directed by your vet.
Does daycare require flea and tick prevention?
Yes. At Pawliday Inn, every daycare and boarding dog needs regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention.