Fleas, Ticks and Heartworm: Year-Round Prevention for Dogs and Cats

In the Carolinas, fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can stay active long after summer ends. Veterinary parasite experts recommend year-round prevention for most dogs and cats, because the diseases these parasites carry can be serious and expensive to treat.

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and can damage the heart and lungs. It affects dogs and cats, and prevention is far easier than treatment.

• Prevention is typically a monthly chewable, topical or a longer-acting injection from your vet.
• Dogs are generally tested annually, since missed doses can leave them unprotected.
• Cats can get heartworm too, even if they live indoors, and prevention is available.

Fleas

Fleas cause itching and can transmit tapeworms and other diseases. A few fleas become an infestation quickly, in the pet and in the home.

• Use a veterinarian-recommended preventive, year-round.
• Wash bedding regularly and vacuum often.
• If you find fleas, treat all pets in the household and talk to your vet about treating the environment.

Ticks

Ticks can carry Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and other infections. They can be active any time temperatures are above freezing.

• Use a tick preventive recommended by your vet.
• Check your dog after walks in grass or woods: between toes, under the collar, in the ears, around the tail and in armpits.
• To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure, then clean the bite.

Before a sitter stay

1. Time the dose. Make sure your pet's monthly dose will not be due while you are away, or leave clear instructions.
2. Label everything. Keep doses in original packaging with the date given.
3. Brief your sitter. Tell them what to look for after walks, such as ticks, and who to call if they find one.
4. Mention any skin issues. Pets with allergies or sensitive skin may react to certain products.

Intestinal parasites

Roundworms, hookworms and whipworms are common, especially in puppies. Many monthly heartworm products also protect against some intestinal worms. Annual fecal testing is a good routine, and a sitter should pick up waste promptly to reduce reinfection.

When to call the vet

• Persistent scratching, hair loss or skin irritation
• A tick bite followed by fever, limping, loss of appetite or lethargy
• Coughing, tiredness or reduced exercise tolerance, which can be signs of heartworm

Consistent prevention is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep your pet healthy, and it makes a sitter's job safer and easier too.