Something I knew the least about when I got my first dog was prevention of fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease. I come from a northern state where heartworm disease especially is much less common. This post will share what I've learned over the years about prevention.
What are fleas, ticks, and heartworms and why are they so bad?
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on your dog or cat's blood, causing itching, irritation, and even allergic reactions. In severe cases, they can lead to anemia or transmit tapeworms. Fleas can leap from animal to animal and from animal to person. They can infest furniture, carpet, and other areas in your home.
Ticks are a bug in the spider family that attach to an animal and feed on the blood of their host. They can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease and several others. Like fleas, ticks are very small and can be hard to spot when they latch onto unsuspecting pets. Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas or areas with tall grass. Ticks can be picked up from the ground and can fall from trees.
Last but certainly not least, heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and blood vessels of infected dogs, leading to severe lung disease, heart failure, and even death. Three of my dogs had heartworm disease when I adopted them and even after treatment the health effects are noticable. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms and as they are the state bird of Texas, prevention of heartworms is needed year round here.
Flea and Tick Prevention
The best prevention for fleas and ticks is an oral medication that you get from a vet. Products like NexGard, Simparica, Triflexis, and Bravecto provide protection against fleas and ticks. These products are often preferred for their ease of use and effectiveness. Many of these products also treat intestinal worms in your pet so it's a win-win. You should always consult with your vet about use of these products for your dog and cat and only give them as directed. The dosage is based on weight and there is an age minimum for many of these products. Your pet must be seen by a vet before that vet will prescribe prevention.
Topical treatments are another way to prevent fleas and ticks in your pet. Usually these treatments are applied to your pet's back (where they can't lick it off) once a month. Topical treatments are available at pet supply stores and websites without a prescription from a vet. Dosage is based on the size of your pet and the type of pet that you have. You should follow all label instructions exactly and reach out to your vet with any concerns. Topical flea and tick preventions do not prevent intestinal parasites so you should see your vet for annual fecal analyses to ensure your pet does not have these parasites.
Flea and tick prevention collars are also an option. These collars contain insecticides and pesticides that help ward off fleas and ticks. Flea and tick prevention collars should only be used as directed and you should monitor your pet and family members for signs of irritation from the collar.
It is important to talk to your vet about the best flea and tick prevention for your family before deciding what you use. The information offered here was not written by a vet and should not be substituted for proper veterinary care.
Regular grooming can help keep your pet free from fleas. You can bathe your dog with flea shampoo or blue Dawn dish soap if you notice any signs of fleas. After outdoor activities, check your dog thoroughly for ticks, especially in hidden areas like between toes, inside ears, and under the collar.
Vacuum your home frequently and wash your dog’s bedding in hot water to eliminate flea eggs and larvae. When my foster dog had fleas, I sprayed my furniture with a flea spray from a local farm store. Treat your yard regularly for fleas and ticks. Making sure your environment is free from fleas is a good way to keep them off your pets.
Heartworm Prevention
Even though you can't see heartworms, unlike fleas and ticks, doesn't mean preventing them isn't as important. I would argue it's more important because of the devastating health effects of heartworm disease. One of my dogs breathes like Darth Vader because of the severity of lung damage she has from heartworms.
There are only two types of heartworm prevention: monthly oral medications and 6- or 12-months of prevention injections. Both of these require a vet to administer them. Your pet must be administered a heartworm test by the vet before the vet is allowed to administer either type of heartworm prevention. This test must be repeated annually to continue to receive prevention. Some oral heartworm prevention also prevents fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. Talking to your vet will ensure you get the best hang for your buck when it comes to prevention.
Final Thoughts
Preventing fleas, ticks, and heartworms is essential for your pet's health and well-being. And yes, both indoor and outdoor pets should be on prevention. Always consult your vet before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s the best choice for your dog or cat's specific needs. If you need a vet, you can find a list of local vets at this webpage: https://www.wacoanimalguide.com/local-veterinary-clinics
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