Your Cart

Effipro spot-on flea and tick treatment for dogs

Do Dogs and Cats Need Flea Treatment in Winter? A UK Guide

Oct 26, 2026

Prime Pet Shop UK

It is easy to think fleas are a summer problem. In fact, many UK vets see flea problems all year round, because our centrally heated homes give fleas the warm conditions they need to keep breeding through winter. Here is what every dog and cat owner should know.

Why fleas survive the winter

Only around 5% of a flea population lives on your pet. The rest are eggs, larvae and pupae hidden in carpets, sofas, pet beds and gaps in floorboards. Pupae can lie dormant for months, then hatch when they sense warmth and movement, which is exactly what happens when the heating comes on in autumn. That is why many owners notice a flea problem in October and November.

Signs your pet has fleas

  • Scratching, nibbling or over-grooming, especially around the back, tail base and neck
  • Small dark specks in the coat ("flea dirt"). Place them on damp white kitchen paper: if they turn reddish brown, it is flea dirt.
  • Red, irritated skin or hair loss
  • Itchy bites on people in the household, often around the ankles

Treat every pet in the home

If one pet has fleas, assume they all do. Treat every dog, cat and rabbit at the same time, and keep treating regularly as directed on the pack, usually every month, all year round.

For dogs

Spot-on treatments are applied to the skin at the back of the neck and are easy to use. Always choose the right weight band for your dog:

For cats

Important: never use a dog flea treatment on a cat. Some dog products contain ingredients that are highly toxic to cats. Always use a product that is licensed for cats, such as Effipro Spot-On for Cats or FRONTLINE Plus for Cats and Ferrets.

For rabbits

Rabbits can catch fleas from cats and dogs in the same home. Only use products licensed for rabbits, such as Advantage Spot On for Large Cats and Rabbits over 4kg, and check with your vet if you are unsure.

Always read the leaflet, follow the dosing instructions, and speak to your vet if your pet is pregnant, very young, elderly or unwell.

Treat your home too

Because most of the flea population lives in your home, treating only your pet is rarely enough.

  • Vacuum carpets, sofas, skirting boards and car seats thoroughly, then empty the vacuum outside.
  • Wash pet bedding on a hot wash (60°C if the label allows). Machine-washable beds such as the Washable Sherpa Cat Bed make this much easier.
  • Use a household flea spray such as Virbac Indorex Defence Home Spray on carpets and soft furnishings, following the label and keeping pets and fish out of the room as directed.
  • Keep vacuuming regularly for a few weeks, as new fleas can keep hatching from pupae.

Don't forget worming

Fleas can carry tapeworm, so if your pet has had fleas it is a good time to worm them too, for example with FRONTLINE Wormer Tablets for Dogs.

Winter flea checklist

  • Keep up monthly flea treatment all year
  • Treat every pet in the home at the same time
  • Never use dog products on cats
  • Hot-wash bedding and vacuum often
  • Use a household spray if you find fleas
  • Worm pets that have had fleas

Shop all flea and tick treatments. We deliver across England, Scotland and Wales, with Standard delivery in 3-5 working days and Express in 2-3 working days.

Cats, Dogs, Fleas, Pet Health