There’s no doubt we love our pets and would do anything for them. Keeping them healthy & happy is the unwritten oath we take as a pet owner, right?
So why is it that many of us don’t take flea tick and worm prevention as seriously as we should?
For those who religiously administer parasite protection each and every month of the year, kudos to you! You’re giving your furry friend every chance in the world to thrive and be safeguarded from these nasties.
For those of us who may forget here and there, or those who don’t even remember the last time they gave their pet a dose of parasite control…keep reading!
In this article, we’ll share information about parasite activity during the different seasons and we’ll also highlight how easy it can be to keep on top of their treatment. It’ll take a moment to read but will offer your pet a lifetime of protection. This also means peace of mind for you!
Understanding seasonal parasite patterns:
Did you know that different parasites thrive under specific environmental conditions, resulting in seasonal fluctuations in their prevalence?
For example, fleas and ticks are more active during the warmer months, while certain gastrointestinal parasites may be more prevalent in the cooler seasons. Let’s break it down by season.
Spring:
The season we start to feel temperatures rise, and outdoor activities increase. Just like us and our pets, fleas and ticks become more active in spring, posing a greater threat to our furry friends. Spring is a crucial time to administer regular flea and tick prevention for dogs. An all-in-1 chewable tablet makes for one of the easiest and most effective solutions for you and your pet!
Summer:
Summer brings longer days and more time spent outdoors, making pets particularly susceptible to parasite exposure. Mosquitoes, which can transmit heartworm larvae to pets, are more abundant during the summer months. Ensure your pet is on a year-round heartworm prevention regimen, as these parasites can be deadly if left untreated. Make sure that the parasite prevention you give your pet includes protection against heartworm disease. In addition, minimise your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes by avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times, such as dawn and dusk, or consider a pet-safe insect spray to provide added protection.
Autumn:
As temperatures begin to cool, certain parasites such as fleas and ticks, may start to search for warm hosts! It’s vital that you continue your pet’s flea and tick prevention regimen throughout the months of Autumn as these parasites can remain active well into the cooler weather. Additionally, consider de-worming your pet for gastrointestinal parasites, which may have multiplied during the summer months. Regular faecal exams, and spot checks for flea eggs and ticks can help keep these parasites in check.
Winter:
While some parasites may become less active during the winter months, others, such as intestinal worms, can still pose a threat to pets. Even if your pet stays mostly indoors, this warm environment is ideal for certain parasites to survive, and thrive if they have a dog to latch onto! And if you have more than one pet in the household, transmission is possible in any season. All of these reasons are why comprehensive flea tick and worm prevention for dogs is vital all year-round, even during the winter.
Other factors that play a part
In addition to seasonal variations in parasite prevalence, every pet can have unique risk factors that influence their susceptibility to parasites. Factors such as age, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions can all impact a pet’s risk when it comes to flea tick and worm prevention.
Your local Vet can help to develop a parasite control plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs and circumstances. Your vet can provide personalised recommendations for preventive medications, vaccination schedules, and environmental management strategies to minimise your pet’s risk of parasite infestation.
To get a more comprehensive understanding of flea tick and worm prevention for dogs, check out our FAQs article.
How to identify the best parasite control to give your dog
So we’ve established that it’s beneficial to keep your dog protected from the range of parasites that can attack any time of year. Now to establish which treatment option is best for your pet.
A chewable tablet option is a great way to make your pet think they’re getting a treat! Why not create an enjoyable experience for you and your fur friend by offering them a tasty meat-flavoured chew that provides month long protection against ticks, fleas, demodex mites, heartworm disease and intestinal worms. Yep, that’s right. Gone are the days of wrangling them to swallow their medicine! All the protection they need is packed into the smallest chew on the market, thanks to Credelio PLUS.
The most important time of the year for flea tick and worm prevention for dogs:
Answer: All-year round. Do your bit for your furry bestie, and make sure they’re protected at all times.
We’d always suggest you ask your Vet for guidance that aligns with your pet’s individual needs. With proactive management and regular monitoring, you can help ensure a happy, healthy life for your pet free from the burden of nasty parasites.
