When is Peak Flea and Tick Season for Dogs?

Key takeaways:

• Flea and tick activity varies by location and climate, so understanding peak seasons helps ensure the right prevention strategy for your dog.
• Excessive scratching, hair loss, and skin irritation are early signs of flea and tick infestation.
• From oral medications to natural treatments, work with your veterinarian to create a customized prevention plan that fits your dog’s needs.

When temperatures hit 75° to 85°F, flea and tick season is in full swing. These pests thrive in warm, humid conditions, but their activity levels can vary depending on where you live. So, when is peak flea and tick season for dogs? In states like California and Texas, fleas and ticks are a year-round problem, while northern regions experience seasonal surges in the warmer months.

At PetHealthMD, we’re here to help you develop the best flea and tick prevention plan for your dog. In this guide, we’ll explore how flea and tick seasons vary across the country and discuss the best ways to protect your dog year-round.

If you notice signs of fleas or ticks on your dog, it’s best to visit your vet as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of more serious health issues.

Flea and tick season by region

Flea and tick activity varies widely across the U.S., and your state plays a big role in when your dog is most at risk. While some regions deal with these pests year-round, others see peak seasons tied to temperature and humidity levels.

Let’s see when the peak flea and tick season is for every state:

As winters become milder, fleas and ticks remain active for longer than ever before. Even in colder states, fleas can survive indoors, and ticks stay active whenever temperatures rise above freezing. No matter where you live, staying proactive with flea and tick prevention keeps your dog safe and comfortable all year long.

Common types of dog fleas in the U.S.

While the cat flea is by far the most common flea species affecting dogs in the U.S., other flea species can occasionally infest dogs, particularly in specific environments. Here are the most notable ones:

• Cat flea: Despite its name, the cat flea is the most common flea found on both dogs and cats. These pests thrive in warm, humid environments, reproduce rapidly, and can transmit tapeworms and bacterial infections like cat scratch fever.
• Dog flea: Less common than the cat flea, the dog flea is more prevalent in Europe but can occasionally be found in rural areas of the U.S. It behaves similarly to the cat flea and can also spread tapeworms.
• Ground squirrel flea: Found in Western U.S. states, these fleas primarily infest rodents but pose a serious health risk to pets and humans because they can carry plague bacteria.

Common types of dog ticks in the U.S.

Several tick species in the U.S. pose health risks to dogs, each carrying the potential to transmit serious diseases. The most common types include:

• American dog tick: Found in grassy areas across the eastern, central, and western U.S., this tick is known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever and causing tick paralysis in dogs.
• Deer tick (Black-legged tick): Common in the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South, this tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease and can also spread anaplasmosis.
• Brown dog tick: Unlike most ticks, this species thrives indoors, often infesting homes and kennels. It’s found nationwide and can transmit Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis to dogs.
• Lone star tick: Most common in the Southeast and South-Central U.S., this aggressive tick can cause red, itchy bite reactions and spreads Ehrlichiosis and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI).

Because fleas and ticks can transmit serious diseases, regular prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment are essential to keeping your dog healthy and parasite-free.

How to spot flea and tick infestation in dogs

Knowing how to spot flea and tick signs helps you act quickly to protect your dog. Regular checks make spotting these signs easier and help keep your furry friend comfortable.

Here are the main signs to watch for:

Physical signs

• Skin and coat changes: Red, irritated skin or patches of thinning fur, especially around the tail, belly, or ears, could be a sign of flea allergy dermatitis
• Tiny unwanted visitors: Look for small black or brown specks (flea dirt) that turn reddish when wet, or actual fleas moving through your dog’s coat. Make sure to conduct regular checks to help stop infestations before they get out of control.
• Tick attachment sites: Ticks love hiding in warm areas like the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes. 

Behavioral signs

• Changes in scratching habits: If your dog suddenly starts licking, biting, or scratching one area more than usual, they could be reacting to flea bites or a tick attachment. This can lead to painful hot spots, so be sure to take them to the vet right away.
• Mood and energy changes: A normally playful pup becoming irritable, lethargic, or less interested in activities may be showing early signs of a tick-borne illness.

Don’t forget to check your dog’s bedding and favorite resting spots—fleas lay eggs in these areas, which can lead to reinfestation. Combining regular inspections with a solid flea and tick prevention plan is the best way to keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and pest-free.

Effective tick prevention throughout the year

Keeping your dog healthy and comfortable is a priority in every season. While tick activity varies depending on where you live, these stubborn parasites can stay active all year long. The best way to protect your pup? A combination of vet-approved prevention and smart environmental management.

Your veterinarian can help you create a personalized flea and tick prevention plan tailored to your dog’s needs. Taking proactive steps now doesn’t just prevent itching and irritation—it also helps protect their long-term health.

From topical treatments to oral medications, there are plenty of effective options for keeping ticks and fleas at bay. For vet-approved flea and tick preventatives, visit 1800PetMeds—your trusted source for safe, reliable, and tailored protection to keep your pet healthy year-round.