Nobody likes to think about fleas, ticks, and other external parasites, but denying the risk that these tiny terrors pose can have seriously gross—and harmful—consequences that affect pets and humans alike. Fortunately, year-round veterinarian-prescribed parasite preventives from Aloha Veterinary Hospital can neutralize their threat.

The case for year-round parasite prevention for pets

Our southern California climate is an almost perfect paradise, but unfortunately, humans are not the only species attracted to balmy breezes and warm sunshine. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes prefer warmer temperatures, and can be found here indoors and outdoors year-round—including during our mild winter months. 

A year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention protocol is essential for protecting all pets—including those who live exclusively indoors—from parasitic infestation or disease. Your pets can be exposed to these microscopic menaces not only outdoors, but also when they enter your home through an open door or window, a crack in the foundation, or on clothing, bags, shoes, or other pets.

If you think you’ll notice these sneaky suspects before they’ve invaded your home, think again—mosquitoes can over-winter in basements and garages, ticks can climb walls or drapes to wait for a warm-blooded target, and fleas can hide and lay eggs along baseboards, in carpet or rugs, or on pet beds and furniture. 

Parasitic health risks for pets and people

In addition to general discomfort from skin irritation and bites, parasites can transmit dangerous—sometimes life-threatening—diseases, plus a cascade of other health problems, including:

  • Heartworm disease — Dogs and cats are at-risk for this life-threatening infection. Heartworm disease can be transmitted by a single mosquito bite and can seriously damage the cardiovascular system.
  • Tick-borne diseases and infections — Ticks in our area are known to transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and tick paralysis. 
  • Flea-borne pathogens — Fleas can transmit tapeworms, murine (i.e., flea-borne) typhus, and plague (i.e., Yersinia pestis). Heavy flea infestations can cause severe or fatal anemias in puppies and kittens.
  • Flea-allergy dermatitis (FAD) — Some dogs and cats are allergic to a protein in flea saliva, and a single flea bite can trigger a severe hypersensitivity reaction that causes intense itching, hair loss, self-trauma, and pronounced discomfort.
  • Secondary skin infections — Bacterial skin infections can occur when pets bite, chew, and scratch their skin to relieve intense itching.
  • Zoonotic disease transmission — Humans are equally susceptible to flea and tick-borne pathogens, but treating all pets with veterinarian-prescribed parasite preventives and taking specific environmental precautions can help reduce exposure risks. 

Prescription preventives—superior protection for your pet

Although numerous parasite preventives are available, the Aloha Veterinary Hospital team strongly advises our clients to purchase their pet’s preventives directly from our practice rather than a pet supply store or online retailer. In addition to avoiding counterfeit and imitation products that may be harmful or ineffective, purchasing veterinary-recommended parasite preventives avoids possibly harmful, ineffective, counterfeit, imitation, and over-the counter (OTC) products and ensures superior benefits, including:

  • Increased safety — Our preferred preventives are rigorously researched and tested by their manufacturers to ensure your pet’s safety and health. Many topical OTC flea and tick products contain harmful ingredients that may cause severe skin reactions, contact irritation, and burns. 
  • Faster efficacy — Parasite preventives are evaluated on their effectiveness and speed of kill—meaning how long the flea or tick takes to die after biting. Although disease transmission isn’t always immediate, a rapid speed-of-kill (i.e., a few hours) and high efficacy (e.g., 98% to 99%) is ideal and most often provided only by veterinary-approved preventives.
  • Longer coverage — Most OTC flea and tick preventives are effective for only 30 days or less, while some prescription medications provide three months of steady protection.
  • Ease of use — Topical prescription preventives are generally designed for easy, mess-free application, and oral products feature enhanced palatability. 

Environmental strategies for parasite prevention in pets

In addition to year-round parasite preventives for all indoor and outdoor pets, we recommend ongoing environmental measures to discourage parasite populations in or around your home. Fortunately, general house-keeping and yard maintenance can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your pet.

  • Wash — Launder your pet’s bedding weekly.
  • Vacuum —  Remove dust and dander from carpet, rugs, and furniture.
  • Trim, weed, and rake — Keep grass cut short and remove any weeds or leafy debris.
  • Remove — In your yard, drain standing water, which can attract mosquitoes, and remove wildlife feeding stations.
  • Repair — Fix or replace damaged window screens and door seals. 
  • Treat — Confirmed flea infestations may require professional extermination services to ensure complete eradication. 
  • Groom — Frequently brushing and bathing your pet can identify live or dead parasites or parasite debris (e.g., flea dirt) on their skin.
  • Check —  Inspect your pet and yourself for ticks after visiting wooded or grassy areas.

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes may seem like a gross nuisance, but these barely-there bugs can have a big impact on your pet’s comfort, health, and safety. Fortunately, increased awareness, year-round parasite prevention, and mindful environmental management will ensure the only things your pet adds to your home are love, laughter, and happiness. 

If your pet isn’t currently on parasite preventives, contact Aloha Veterinary Hospital to schedule an appointment, discuss your pet’s needs and lifestyle, and receive a personalized prevention plan recommendation.