Parasite Prevention in the Summer Months

Summer is a time when parasites are more active in pets. According to the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, you should be more active in preventing parasites during the hot months. Outdoor activities make your pet susceptible to taking home internal and external parasites.


If you want to find out more about parasite prevention in the summer months, here’s what you should know:

 

For Ticks

Ticks are more numerous and active during the hot summer months. They are patient and strategic parasites. They wait in grassy and woody areas. There, ticks ambush any warm-blooded animal passing by. Depriving ticks of any opportunity to feed on your pet is the best way to keep your pet healthy during the coming summer months.

 

Checking your pet for ticks is an effective way to make sure these parasites do not stay long enough to cause harm. Daily inspection will keep ticks off. Monthly topical tick prevention also discourages ticks from latching on. There are tick powders, sprays, shampoos, and collars you can try as well.

 

Keeping your living area clean helps remove the favorite hiding places of ticks—old pots, unused wooden planks, or worn tires. Staying away from woody or grassy areas during your walks can prevent ticks from reaching you or your pet. Spraying your clothes and your pet’s protective gear with DEET-based rick repellent is effective in keeping ticks away.

 

For Fleas

Fleas are irritating and challenging to remove from your living space. Hair loss, scabbing, and itchiness are the usual symptoms of flea infestation. You can try to remove fleas with special tweezers. Shampoos, sprays, collars, and fine-toothed combs are available in many pet stores. You can search online or ask your vet about flea preventatives. Consider flea medications or collars as well.

 

For Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are everywhere during the summer months. Heat activates odor. The smell of warm blood attracts mosquitoes more. Making sure your home is safe from mosquitoes is an effective way to protect your pets and yourself from these flying parasites. Removing stagnant water and surrounding your property with mosquito-repelling plants can keep mosquitoes away. Before stepping outside, be sure to spray pet-safe mosquito repellents on your pet.

 

For Parasitic Worms

Roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are the usual intestinal worms you should watch out for. Keeping your home clean and not allowing your pet to rummage through the garden can ward off intestinal parasites. It also helps if you do not allow your pet to eat or lick anything on the ground during your walks.

 

Heartworms are parasites that live in your pet’s blood and then cause chaos in the heart and lungs. One bite from an infected mosquito can deliver the parasite into your pet’s body. You can ask your vet about a heartworm preventative for your pet. This can protect your pet from the inside. Keeping your living space mosquito-free can protect your pet from the outside.

 

Parasites can deteriorate your pet’s health. Preventing them from invading your pet’s body is the most effective way to protect your pet during the summer months. At Santa Monica Pet Medical Center in Santa Monica, California we always remind our pet parents about seasonal pet care practices and routine health checks.

 

Learn more about parasite prevention in the summer, contact Santa Monica Pet Medical Center in Santa Monica, California at (310) 393-8218 if you want to schedule an appointment or inquire about our seasonal pet care packages.