As the "cool" breezes of fall and winter start sweeping through Houston, many of us are excited for a little relief from the heat. But while the weather might seem milder, there’s one thing that isn’t taking a break — fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites! That's right — even when the temperatures drop, these pests are still a threat to our pets. Here’s why keeping up with preventative treatments is essential throughout the year.
The Sneaky Persistence of Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks may seem like a spring and summer issue, but in Houston's warmer climate, they can thrive year-round. Fleas, in particular, love our humid weather and can hide out in your home, on furniture, carpets, and even bedding during the cooler months. Once they settle in, they reproduce quickly, leading to infestations that are tough to eliminate.
Ticks, too, are hardy and don’t just disappear in the fall. Many tick species can survive cooler temperatures and continue to latch onto your pet while hiking or playing outdoors. Protecting your pet with flea and tick preventatives ensures they are shielded from nasty bites and the diseases these pests carry, like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis.
Heartworms: A Year-Round Threat in Houston
Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites, and while we typically think of mosquitoes as a summer nuisance, they don’t disappear in Houston. With our mild winters, mosquitoes can remain active well into the fall and even during winter months. Since heartworms can be fatal if left untreated, skipping just one month of heartworm prevention can leave your pet vulnerable to this parasite. Year-round heartworm prevention is critical to keep your pet safe and healthy.
Internal Parasites: The Hidden Menace
Parasites like roundworms and hookworms are a silent but serious threat to your pet’s health. Pets can pick up these parasites from contaminated soil or feces, and the risk doesn’t go away just because it's cooler outside. Regular deworming and parasite preventatives help protect your pet from these internal invaders, which can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and even more severe issues.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
It’s easy to think that preventatives are only necessary during the warmer months, but here in Houston, the risk of parasites is present throughout the year. By staying diligent with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, you can avoid potential infestations, costly treatments, and serious health risks. Your pets deserve the best care, and maintaining a consistent preventative schedule ensures they’re protected, no matter the season.
At 2525 Sunset Veterinarians, we’re here to help you choose the best preventative treatments for your pets. Our team will guide you on the right products to use and ensure your furry family members stay parasite-free all year long! If you have any questions or need to stock up on preventatives, give us a call or schedule a visit.
Your pets will thank you for keeping them healthy and happy, even when the temperatures start to dip!
Contact Us
2525 Sunset Veterinarians
2525 Sunset Blvd
Houston TX 77005
713-714-2525
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