Why Flea, Tick and Heartworm Prevention Is Still Essential in Fall Months
When the weather cools down, many pet owners assume parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes go away — but that’s far from the case. In most regions, these pests remain active well into fall and even early winter, putting pets at risk of serious illnesses like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and heartworm disease.
Fleas and Ticks Don’t Take a Break
While you may see fewer bugs outside, fleas and ticks can still thrive in mild temperatures. They often hide in leaf piles, wooded areas, or even inside your home. Once indoors, fleas can continue to reproduce year-round, making infestations difficult to eliminate.
Heartworm Transmission Continues
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, which can remain active until temperatures drop below freezing for an extended period. Because heartworm prevention works by stopping existing larvae from developing, skipping even a month can leave your pet vulnerable.
Why Year-Round Prevention Matters
- It protects against unpredictable weather changes and late-season warm spells.
- Many preventives guard against multiple parasites at once.
- Consistent use avoids confusion or gaps in protection.
Veterinarians recommend keeping your pet on monthly parasite prevention year-round, regardless of where you live.
Need help choosing the right preventives or staying on schedule? Our team can tailor parasite protection to your pet’s lifestyle and local risks. Call us or book an appointment today!
About Us
At Partners Veterinary Group, we believe in energizing our team members through shared values, while helping them create value for our clients and patients. Knowing we can help make pets’ and people’s lives better motivates us to continually strive for excellence and love what we do.
Our team consistently works to build educational, supportive, and cooperative work environments that cater to positive experiences and professional growth. We’re constantly evolving, creating innovative ways to deliver cutting-edge medicine to our patients. We equip our teams with tools to enhance their skills and improve their knowledge.