❄️ Winter Isn’t a Free Pass: What Pet Owners Should Know About Cold Weather & Pet Health
When temperatures drop below freezing in places like Dubuque, Iowa, it’s easy to assume many pet health risks disappear until spring. Unfortunately, winter doesn’t eliminate threats — it simply changes them.
At PetMed of Key West, we see the same winter-related misconceptions every year. Understanding what does and does not go away in cold weather can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s long-term health.
Myth #1: Fleas and Ticks Die Off in Winter
This is one of the most common — and most costly — misunderstandings we encounter.
While extreme cold can reduce parasite activity outdoors, fleas and ticks remain a year-round concern in Iowa and the surrounding Midwest. Any time temperatures rise above freezing, ticks can become active again. Fleas often survive indoors entirely, thriving in heated homes, apartments, kennels, and shared spaces.
Pets don’t need to spend time hiking through the woods to be exposed. A brief walk, a trip to the groomer, or contact with another pet can be enough.
Bottom line: Winter does not reliably eliminate parasite risk.
Myth #2: Indoor Pets Are Automatically Protected
Even pets that spend most or all of their time indoors are not immune.
Parasites can be:
- Carried inside on clothing or shoes
- Transferred from other pets
- Introduced through shared entryways, garages, or boarding facilities
Cats, in particular, are frequently exposed despite never going outside — something we see firsthand every winter.
Why Year-Round Prevention Still Matters
Consistent, veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention is designed to:
- Protect pets during unpredictable temperature swings
- Prevent gaps in coverage when parasites resurface
- Reduce the risk of internal and external parasite transmission to humans
Stopping and restarting prevention increases the chance of missed doses, exposure windows, and preventable illness.
At our clinic, we recommend year-round parasite prevention based on local disease prevalence, climate variability, and real-world exposure — not marketing trends.
Winter Health Risks Beyond Parasites
Cold weather presents its own set of challenges for pets, especially in the Upper Midwest:
🐾 Dry skin and coat changes
Low humidity and indoor heating can worsen dandruff, itching, and flaky skin.
🐾 Arthritis and mobility issues
Cold temperatures often exacerbate joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility — particularly in senior pets.
🐾 Weight gain
Reduced activity during winter months can lead to weight gain, which compounds joint and metabolic issues.
🐾 Toxic exposures
Antifreeze, ice melt products, and rodenticides are more common in winter and can be extremely dangerous if ingested.
How to Support Your Pet Through Winter
Simple steps make a big difference:
- Maintain consistent preventive care year-round
- Keep nails trimmed to improve traction on icy surfaces
- Wipe paws after walks to remove ice melt residue
- Monitor mobility and behavior changes
- Schedule wellness visits even when your pet “seems fine”
Winter is often when subtle health issues first become noticeable — making it an ideal time for preventive checkups.