Autumn: A Season of Change (and Parasites)
As the temperatures drop and days shorten, your mind may shift to holiday plans and cozy autumn evenings, but there’s something still lurking in the cooler months… parasites!
Picture a crisp November day: fallen leaves, cool air and a hint of frost. You might take your dog for a walk or let your cat explore the yard. Though winter is near, fleas and ticks still remain active, searching for hosts even in low temperatures.
It’s easy to become less vigilant as the seasons change, but parasites are resilient. Fleas can still infest your home, and ticks – which transmit diseases such as Lyme – are active in temperatures as low as 0°C. Therefore, in Southern Ontario, if your pet is not protected against parasites in the fall and winter, they are at risk.
Because of our fluctuating winters, it is now generally recommended that pets in our area be on parasite prevention year-round. However, you can likely save some money by switching your dog to a different type of prevention after November 1st.
This summer, your veterinarian likely prescribed a parasite prevention that covers fleas, ticks and heartworm. After November 1st, heartworm is no longer a risk in our geographic region. This makes November the perfect time to transition your pup back to the same flea-and-tick product you’d use in the mild spring months, before heartworm becomes a threat in June.
Most parasite prevention for cats comes in the form of a topical ointment that is applied between the shoulder blades, whereas dogs also have the option of a tasty, chewable tablet. Typically, these products are given monthly.
You may be thinking, “But what about those -30 degree days?” While yes, these temperatures are certainly too low for parasites to be active, in our region, not one month goes by where we don’t have at least one day over 0°C. While we may not see fleas and ticks 365 days of the year, we certainly see them 12 months of the year.
If you haven’t already, speak to your vet about the best options to keep your furry family member safe as the seasons change this November. Together, you can ensure that all members of your family enjoy the cooler months… without the itch or the risk!
Dr. I. Wonder is here to answer your questions regarding your furry family members. If you have a question, email it to us at danielle@NeighbourhoodPetClinic.com. Our team at Neighbourhood Pet Clinic will tap into their collective experience to answer your various questions.
