Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and the parasites they carry can affect dogs and cats in many parts of the country. And depending on where you live, parasite exposure may not disappear when summer ends.

Protecting your pet starts with understanding the risks, recognizing possible warning signs, and working with your veterinarian on an appropriate prevention plan.

Fleas: More Than Just an Itchy Problem

Fleas can make pets extremely uncomfortable.

Some animals are particularly sensitive to flea bites and may develop significant skin irritation. Fleas can also transmit certain parasites and contribute to other health problems.

Signs That May Be Associated With Fleas

Watch for:

• Frequent scratching or biting at the skin

• Red or irritated skin

• Hair loss

• Small scabs

• Restlessness

• Tiny dark specks in the coat

• Visible fleas

Don't assume your pet is flea-free simply because you haven't seen one.

If your pet suddenly becomes unusually itchy, contact your veterinarian.

Ticks: Check After Outdoor Adventures

Ticks can attach themselves to pets while they're exploring yards, parks, trails, wooded areas, or tall grass.

Some ticks can transmit diseases to animals, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.

After outdoor activities, check your pet carefully—especially around the:

• Ears

• Neck

• Face

• Between the toes

• Under the legs

• Around the tail

If you discover an attached tick and aren't confident about removing it correctly, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Heartworms: A Different Kind of Parasite

Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Dogs are natural hosts for heartworms, and untreated heartworm disease can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels.

Cats can also develop heartworm-associated disease, although heartworm infection behaves differently in cats.

Possible Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Depending on the severity, signs may include:

• Persistent coughing

• Reduced interest in exercise

• Fatigue

• Difficulty breathing

• Weight loss

• Swollen abdomen in advanced disease

Unfortunately, pets may not show obvious symptoms during the early stages.

That's one reason prevention and appropriate veterinary testing are so important.

Prevention Is Easier Than Treating the Problem

Parasite risks vary according to where you live, your pet's lifestyle, travel, age, health, and other factors.

Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate prevention program for your individual pet.

Preventive products may include oral or topical medications, and some products protect against more than one type of parasite.

Never give a dog parasite medication to a cat unless a veterinarian specifically says it is safe.

Some products intended for dogs can be dangerous to cats.

Also, don't assume "natural" automatically means safe. Essential oils and other home remedies can cause problems for pets.

Should Parasite Prevention Be Year-Round?

In many areas, veterinarians recommend year-round parasite prevention because fleas can survive indoors and mosquitoes and ticks may remain active during periods of mild weather.

But parasite risks aren't identical everywhere.

Talk with your veterinarian about the right schedule for your pet and your location.

Don't Forget Your Home

If fleas become established, treating only the pet may not solve the entire problem.

Flea eggs and immature stages can be present in the pet's environment.

Your veterinarian can advise you about an appropriate treatment strategy if you're dealing with an infestation.

Regularly washing pet bedding, vacuuming areas where pets spend time, and keeping the home environment clean can also be helpful.

A Good Pet Sitter Should Know About Parasite Prevention Too

Before leaving your pet with a sitter, let them know about any medications or preventive treatments your pet needs while you're away.

Leave clear instructions including:

• Medication name

• Correct dose

• When it should be given

• How it should be administered

• Your veterinarian's contact information

• Emergency contact information

Never expect a sitter to guess when medication is involved.

Clear instructions help keep everyone safer.

National Pet Wellness Month Is a Great Reminder

October is National Pet Wellness Month, but protecting your pet shouldn't happen during only one month of the year.

Use it as an annual reminder to review your pet's overall wellness routine.

Ask yourself:

Is parasite prevention current?

Is my pet due for a wellness examination?

Have I noticed any changes in behavior, appetite, skin, coat, weight, or energy?

A few minutes of prevention today may help protect your pet from a much bigger problem tomorrow.

Healthy pets. Happy families. ❤️

Shocco's Pet Care Tip

If someone will be caring for your pet while you're traveling, make sure they understand your pet's normal routine, medications, parasite prevention, veterinarian information, and emergency instructions.

Shoccos.com — Connecting Pets, People & Care.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Parasite risks and appropriate preventive medications vary by pet and location. Consult a licensed veterinarian about the appropriate prevention, testing, and treatment plan for your pet.