The Power of Prevention: Why Heartworm, Flea & Tick Prevention is a Must!

When it comes to keeping your pets healthy, prevention is always better than treatment. Heartworms, fleas, and ticks may be small, but they pose big risks to your pet’s well-being. Let’s break down why year-round protection is a non-negotiable part of pet care.
 

Heartworms: A Silent but Deadly Threat

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes, which can present themselves both inside and outside of your home. Heartworm disease is life-threatening to cats and dogs, but fortunately, it's preventable. Since it is spread by mosquitoes, which can sneak into your home, even indoor pets are at risk. Microscopic larvae (baby worms) are introduced by the mosquito bite, then spread to the heart, where they grow into large worms. The worst part? Symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced.

Prevention is simple—a monthly chew, topically-applied preventative, or long-activating injection can keep your pet safe. Treatment, on the other hand, is costly, difficult, and risky.

2022 Heartworm Cases Report from American Heartworm Society
 

Fleas: More Than Just an Itchy Problem

Fleas are tiny, relentless pests that multiply at an alarming rate. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, and can survive without a host for up to 14 days! These eggs
then fall into your pet’s bedding, carpets, and furniture—turning a small problem into a full-blown infestation in just weeks. These pests thrive in warm environments, and
once inside your home, they can be difficult to eliminate. Flea bites don’t just cause mild irritation—they can lead to:
 

• Intense itching & allergies – Many pets develop flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a severe skin reaction that leads to hair loss, redness, and excessive scratching.

• Skin infections – Constant biting and scratching can break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause painful infections.

• Tapeworms – Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, which your pet can ingest while grooming, leading to digestive issues and weight loss.

• Anemia (especially in puppies & kittens) – A heavy flea infestation can drain so much blood that it leads to weakness, pale gums, and serious health complications.

Getting rid of fleas takes time and patience—it can take up to three months to fully break the flea life cycle. A monthly flea preventative—whether oral, topical, or a flea
collar—keeps your pet and home flea-free and stress-free year-round!