Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm – Oh My!

Lakeside Animal Hospital
A dog is standing on its hind legs with its tongue out.

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe from Fleas, Ticks and Heartworm this Summer and Beyond

As the summer sizzles on, it’s just as important to keep your pet healthy as it is to take care of yourself. Record heat and consistent rain continues to torch and saturate South Florida this summer, creating the perfect environment for fleas and ticks and posing an increasing risk for our pets.

It’s important as a pet owner to stay vigilant and monitor your pet’s health and behavior. Check your pet for tick and flea bites regularly and monitor their behavior for any indication that they may be feeling under the weather. 

Here are a few easy ways to keep your pet safe from these pesky insects and prevent heartworm:

  • Use Flea and Tick Control Products: 
    • Using flea and tick control products on your pets can make all the difference in providing much-needed protection. Having topical treatments, oral medications, or collars specifically designed to repel or kill fleas and ticks in your pet’s first aid kit can all be helpful in keeping these pesky pests at bay.

  • Keep Your Yard Clean: 
    • Mosquitoes, fleas and ticks thrive in tall grass and cluttered areas. Keep your yard well-maintained by regularly mowing the grass, removing debris and trimming shrubs. Consider using pet-safe yard sprays or treatments to repel mosquitoes and other pests.

  • Regularly Check for Fleas and Ticks: 
    • Conduct routine checks for fleas and ticks on your pets, especially after spending time outdoors. Remove any ticks promptly using tweezers or tick removal tools and consult your veterinarian if you notice an infestation.

  • Administer Heartworm Preventives: 
    • Prevention is key when it comes to heartworm disease. Thankfully, there are several preventative measures that pet owners can take to protect their pets from heartworm disease. Give your pet monthly heartworm preventive medications year-round, as your veterinarian recommends. These medications effectively kill immature larvae transmitted by mosquitoes before they can develop into adult worms and prevent heartworm disease. They’re safe, effective and easy to administer, making them a must-have for any responsible pet owner.

If you believe your dog is suffering from fleas, ticks or heartworm, please schedule an appointment with our Lakeside Animal Hospital team today. We can be reached by calling or texting us at 954-474-8808.

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