Preventive care isn’t just about vaccinations and check-ups—it’s also about protecting your pet from parasites that can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening, health issues. Fleas, ticks, and heartworms are some of the most common (and preventable) threats that pets face, especially during the warmer months.
We want to help you stay one step ahead. Here’s what every pet owner needs to know about parasite prevention and why it’s a critical part of your dog or cat’s health plan.
Fleas: More Than Just an Itch
Fleas are tiny, but they can cause major problems—especially for pets with flea allergies. They multiply quickly and are notoriously hard to eliminate once they infest your home.
What Fleas Can Do:
- Cause intense itching and hair loss
- Lead to allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis)
- Transmit tapeworms
- Cause anemia, especially in small or young pets
Prevention Tip: Monthly flea prevention is far easier (and more affordable) than dealing with an infestation. Indoor-only pets are still at risk, and year-round protection is recommended.
Ticks: Tiny Hitchhikers, Big Dangers
Ticks aren’t just gross—they can transmit serious diseases to pets and people. They thrive in wooded, grassy, and even suburban areas.
Tick-Borne Diseases to Watch For:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Prevention Tip: Use a vet-recommended tick preventative consistently and check your pet regularly—especially after walks or time outdoors.
Heartworms: A Silent, Deadly Threat
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and affects both dogs and cats. In dogs, it causes heart and lung damage; in cats, it’s harder to detect and can be fatal even at low worm counts.
Key Facts:
Heartworms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels
Dogs can harbor hundreds of worms before showing symptoms
There is no cure for cats, and treatment in dogs can be risky and expensive
Prevention Tip: Monthly heartworm prevention is safe, effective, and essential—even if your pet is mostly indoors. Annual testing is also recommended for dogs to catch any missed infections early.
Why Year-Round Prevention Matters
Parasites can strike at any time of year. While spring and summer bring the highest risk, our mild winters allow fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to stay active year-round.
All pets, including indoor cats, should be on a consistent prevention plan tailored to their lifestyle, health, and environment.
How We Can Help
At Animal Medical Clinic, we’ll work with you to choose the safest and most effective parasite prevention products for your pet. We carry trusted options that protect against:
- Fleas and ticks
- Heartworms
- Intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms
We’ll also discuss your pet’s habits and needs to recommend a customized prevention schedule.
Parasite prevention is simple, affordable, and essential. Let’s keep your pets healthy, happy, and parasite-free this summer—and all year long.
Call us today to schedule your pet’s preventive care exam or to stock up on their monthly preventives!