Creepy Crawlers Beware: Your Ultimate Guide to Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection
April is officially Parasite Prevention Month, which means there’s no better time to kick creepy crawlers to the curb. Fleas, ticks, and heartworms may be small, but they can cause big problems for your pets.
With a little planning and the right flea, tick, and heartworm protection, your pawsome pals can stay happy, healthy, and itch-free all year long.
Here are the top parasite prevention tips from the team at Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital.
Flea Prevention for Pets: Stay One Step Ahead
Fleas are the ultimate uninvited guests. These little buggers bring itchiness, skin allergies, and even tapeworms along for the ride when they infest your pet. Don’t wait until you see your pet scratching nonstop—take action now. There are plenty of ways to keep fleas at bay, including topical treatments, oral medications, and flea collars.
But the best flea prevention for pets is one that fits your pet’s needs routine. For instance, if you feel it’ll be a struggle to remember to give your pet a pill every six months, consider a flea collar instead.
Tackle Ticks Before They Bite
Ticks carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is why it’s so important to get on top of tick prevention. Use tick collars, sprays, or chewables designed for tick prevention for pets.
These medications work in several ways, including by:
- Repelling ticks or killing them on contact
- Disrupting their nervous system or ability to feed
- Preventing them from transmitting diseases to your pet
For an extra safety measure, always check for stowaway ticks after outdoor adventures.
Heartworm Prevention for Dogs: A Literal Lifesaver
Heartworms might sound like something out of a creepy sci-fi movie, but they’re a very real danger for dogs. Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, heartworms can cause serious heart and lung damage to your furry pals.
Luckily, heartworm prevention for dogs is simple and incredibly effective against these insidious worms. Monthly chewables or an annual injection from your vet can keep your pup heartworm-free—without causing your pet undue stress.
Your vet can also conduct regular heartworm testing as part of your pet’s preventive care. The earlier your vet detects heartworms, the better chance your pet has of a full recovery.
Celebrate Parasite Prevention Month by Taking Action
Parasite Prevention Month is a perfect time to schedule a vet visit to fine-tune your pet’s parasite prevention plan, restock medications, and make sure your furry companion is protected.
And prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. All-in-one products offer flea, tick, and heartworm protection in a single dose, which makes life easier for you—and safer for your pet.
Ready to protect your pet against pests? Reach out to our caring team at Broadway Oaks Animal Hospital by calling (210) 824-7481.