Tick prevention is often treated as a seasonal issue. Many dog owners stop thinking about ticks once winter arrives, assuming cold weather solves the problem. I used to hear this often—“We don’t give preventives in winter.”
My Yorkshire Terrier Louie is 16 months old. He doesn’t love long walks, but ticks aren’t limited to tall grass or summer weather. Louie takes NexGard Spectra every 30 days year-round, yet I still wanted an extra layer of protection. This post explains why tick prevention shouldn’t stop in winter and how the Mandarin Brothers Insect Shield suit fits into our routine.
1. Why Tick Prevention Matters All Year
Ticks are commonly associated with spring and summer, but climate patterns have changed. Winters are warmer, indoor heating is constant, and ticks can survive longer than many people expect.
Ticks can transmit serious diseases to dogs:
Babesiosis – destroys red blood cells and can cause anemia and fever Ehrlichiosis – affects platelets and immune function Lyme disease – may lead to joint pain and fever
Some tick-borne diseases can also affect humans. This is why I don’t treat tick prevention as optional, even during colder months.
2. Practical Tick Prevention Methods
Tick bites can be easy to miss, especially in winter when vigilance tends to drop. Prevention works best when multiple methods are combined.
What I focus on:
Monthly tick preventives, even in winter Thorough checks after outdoor time Regular cleaning of bedding and living areas Physical barriers like protective clothing
Medication is important, but it doesn’t prevent ticks from climbing onto a dog’s body. That’s where protective wear becomes useful.
3. Mandarin Brothers Insect Shield Suit
Louie wears the Mandarin Brothers Insect Shield suit in Gray (M) and Lemon (S).
The Lemon fabric stretches more than the Gray, so I chose a smaller size. The Gray fit Louie’s chest but was too long, limiting tail movement. I adjusted it slightly by sewing the tail and belly areas, which improved comfort significantly.
The fabric difference is noticeable—both are soft, but the Lemon version is more flexible.
4. Advantages of the Insect Shield Suit
Full-body coverage Small dogs like Louie are closer to the ground. An all-in-one suit reduces direct contact with grass, branches, and insects. The fabric is treated with Insect Shield technology designed to repel pests.
Lightweight and comfortable Louie wouldn’t tolerate anything restrictive. After a brief adjustment period, he moved freely and played normally.
Easy to wash The suit dries quickly and holds up well to frequent washing, which makes daily use realistic.
5. Louie’s Reaction
This was Louie’s first all-in-one outfit. Initially, he froze in place. After the minor tailoring adjustment, his posture relaxed.
On our first park visit wearing the suit, insects were noticeably drawn to me instead of him. Louie played calmly, without scratching or irritation.
Reflections
Whether to maintain tick prevention in winter is ultimately a personal choice. For me, the risk doesn’t disappear just because temperatures drop. The Mandarin Brothers Insect Shield suit doesn’t replace medication, but it adds a physical barrier that makes outdoor time feel safer.
For small dogs especially, combining preventive medication with protective clothing has proven practical and reassuring in our daily routine.