Protecting Your Pet from Parasites Year-Round
Parasites are more than just a nuisance—they’re a serious health threat to pets. At St. Charles Animal Hospital, we emphasize year-round parasite prevention to keep your dog or cat protected from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.
Maryland’s climate supports parasite activity in every season. Even during cooler months, heartworm-carrying mosquitoes can survive indoors or in warmer areas. Fleas and ticks also remain active in protected outdoor spaces. That’s why consistent prevention is key—skipping doses or stopping treatment in winter can leave your pet vulnerable.
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Left untreated, they can cause severe damage and even death. Preventing heartworms is much easier and safer than treating an infection. We recommend monthly heartworm prevention year-round, along with annual testing to ensure your pet remains protected.
Fleas are not only itchy and uncomfortable—they can cause skin infections, hot spots, and allergic reactions. Some pets can develop flea allergy dermatitis from just a few bites. Fleas also transmit tapeworms and can infest your home quickly if not treated early.
Ticks carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Tick-borne illnesses can cause long-term complications in dogs and can be difficult to detect without testing. Regular tick prevention keeps your pet safe even after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and more. Some of these parasites can even be transmitted to humans, making regular deworming and fecal testing important for your family’s health as well.
At St. Charles Animal Hospital, we offer a variety of safe, vet-approved parasite preventives. Our team can recommend the right products based on your pet’s weight, lifestyle, and health history. We also provide education on how to administer preventives and stay on schedule.
Prevention is simple, cost-effective, and a crucial part of your pet’s wellness care. Let us help you build a parasite prevention plan that fits your pet’s needs—and gives you peace of mind year-round.
