L-U: Synkkä punkkitieto iski

Veterinarians in Southern Finland report that ticks are increasingly active during the winter months, making year-round vigilance necessary for pet owners. According to a report by the newspaper Länsi-Uusimaa, mild and humid winter weather prevents ticks from entering a dormant state, allowing them to remain active even in the coldest months of the year. Aija Jantunen, veterinarian and clinic director at the Lohja Small Animal Clinic, stated that she removed ticks from dogs as late as December 23. Jantunen noted that minor frost does not necessarily force ticks into hibernation, especially if temperatures rise again shortly after a cold spell. Otto Wejberg, a veterinarian at Wevet, reported removing the first tick of the year in January. Experts explain that ticks emerge from their shelters quickly once temperatures rise above freezing. According to the veterinarians, only prolonged periods of deep, snowless frost are effective at significantly reducing the tick population. Veterinarians advise dog owners to continue performing regular tick checks and to maintain the use of tick-prevention medication until consistent, freezing winter weather sets in.

Article source: Iltalehti | Image credit: Iltalehti