Parasite prevention: fleas, ticks, and heartworm
4 min read
The parasites that threaten your dog are mostly preventable with cheap, routine medication — and far more expensive and dangerous to treat once they take hold.
Heartworm
Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm is serious, expensive to treat, and preventable with a monthly (or longer-acting) product. Most vets recommend year-round prevention plus a yearly test. Never restart prevention after a lapse without testing first.
Fleas
Beyond the itching, fleas cause allergic reactions and can carry tapeworms. Prevention is far easier than clearing an infestation from your home. Treat every pet in the house.
Ticks
Ticks transmit Lyme and other diseases. Use a tick preventive, and after walks in grass or woods, feel for bumps — especially around ears, neck, and toes — and remove any you find promptly with a tick tool.
Intestinal worms
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are common; many monthly preventives cover several. Puppies are dewormed on a schedule. Some of these can spread to people, so prevention protects the whole household.
Do this now
Ask your vet for a prevention plan covering heartworm, fleas, and ticks for your area, and set a monthly reminder so a dose is never missed.
General guidance — the right products and schedule depend on your dog and region; your vet will advise.
Gear Kerri recommends
A few things that make this easier. As an Amazon Associate, Floyd's Love earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Puppy Training Journal and Health Record
Specifically designed to track a puppy's initial 6-16 week vaccine series and early wellness milestones.
Shop thisMagnetic List of Toxic & Safe Plants and Foods for Pets
Keep the pet poison hotline numbers and a list of common culprits like xylitol and grapes visible on your fridge for the instant reference this guide recommends.
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Oxyfresh Advanced Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats
A gentle, vet-approved ear cleaner that helps remove wax and debris without the use of harsh chemicals.
Shop thisPet Care Planner and Health Tracker
Helps you follow the 'Do This Now' advice by organizing wellness visit dates and future vaccine reminders in one place.
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Vet's Best Dog Toothpaste & Toothbrush Dental Care Kit
This kit provides the 'gold standard' of care with dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste and a brush to prevent painful dental disease.
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Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
A critical preventative tool for deep-chested breeds to help avoid Bloat (GDV) by slowing down eating and reducing air ingestion.
Shop thisFloyd's Love is educational. Our lessons, breed guides, and personalized assessments are for general information and preparation only — they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care or advice from a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Always consult your vet for medical concerns and a qualified professional for behavior issues.