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πŸ“… Seasonal

When to Treat Your Dog or Cat for Fleas and Ticks? Calendar

Published September 2026 Β· 6 min read

Contrary to popular belief, fleas and ticks don't completely disappear in winter β€” but their activity varies greatly by season. Here's the calendar to follow for effective year-round protection.

The month-by-month calendar

PeriodRisk levelRecommended action
March - April🟠 RisingFit a collar before the seasonal peak
May - SeptemberπŸ”΄ HighContinuous protection essential
October - November🟠 FallingKeep protection on, still active
December - February🟒 LowReduced but not zero risk depending on winter mildness
🌑️ Good to know: ticks stay active as soon as temperatures exceed around 7Β°C β€” a mild Belgian winter can extend their activity well beyond the usual season.

Why plan ahead of spring?

Fitting a repellent collar as early as March, before the May activity peak, means protection is fully active before parasites become numerous β€” rather than reacting after the first bites are spotted.

Do I really need to protect in winter?

A dog or cat that regularly goes outside, even in winter, remains exposed if temperatures are mild. A box of 4 collars of 6 months (24 months of continuous protection) avoids having to ask this question every season β€” protection stays active permanently.

⚠️ Common mistake: removing the collar in winter and then forgetting to put it back on in time for spring exposes the pet right as risk rises sharply.

The special case of travel

If you travel to a warmer region (southern France, Spain) even during Belgian winter, flea and tick risk there often stays high all year round β€” protection should be maintained regardless of the season back in Belgium.

Frequently asked questions

Does a box of 4 collars of 6 months (24 months) avoid having to think about it each season?

Yes, that's precisely the main benefit of long-lasting protection β€” once fitted, it stays continuously active with no seasonal intervention needed.

Are fleas as seasonal as ticks?

Fleas are less sensitive to outdoor cold than commonly thought, as they easily survive indoors in heated homes all year round, unlike ticks which depend more on outdoor climate.

Is a stronger treatment needed for an existing infestation?

Yes, in the case of an active infestation, a more intensive one-off treatment may be needed alongside the preventive collar β€” see our collar/spot-on/tablet comparison for more details.

🐾 Continuous 24-month protection (4 collars of 6 months), no seasonal hassle

Natural collars for dogs and cats β€” Free delivery to Belgium

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