Parasites are more than just a nuisance—they can seriously impact your pet’s health and comfort. Fleas, ticks, and heartworms are among the most common threats facing dogs and cats, especially in warmer climates like Memphis. Unfortunately, many pet parents believe that parasite prevention is only needed in spring and summer. At Pet Care on Highland, we know the reality: parasite protection is a year-round necessity, and we’re here to help you build the right plan for your pet.
Let’s start with fleas. These tiny pests can cause major problems, from itchy skin and hot spots to allergic reactions and anemia in severe cases. Fleas reproduce quickly and can infest your home in a matter of days. They’re not just a warm-weather problem either—fleas can survive indoors through the winter and quickly spread to furniture, carpets, and other pets.
Ticks pose another serious risk. These parasites are known for transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, which can affect both pets and people. Ticks don’t die off in cold weather—they simply become less active. As soon as temperatures rise above freezing, they’re back and ready to attach. That’s why consistent tick prevention is so important, even during the cooler months.
Then there’s heartworm disease—one of the most dangerous and difficult-to-treat parasitic conditions. Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, heartworms grow and live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected pets. Dogs are the primary hosts, but cats can also be infected. Heartworm disease can cause lasting damage and even be fatal if left untreated. Even worse, symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, making early prevention absolutely critical.
The good news is that all of these parasites can be prevented with the right products and routine. At Pet Care on Highland, we work with you to create a customized parasite prevention plan based on your pet’s lifestyle, medical history, and risk level. Whether your dog loves hiking or your indoor cat occasionally sneaks onto the porch, we’ll make sure they’re protected.
We offer a variety of safe, veterinarian-recommended preventives—including oral, topical, and long-lasting injectable options. These products are far more effective and reliable than over-the-counter alternatives and are tailored to your pet’s weight and health status. Our team is always happy to explain how each option works and help you choose what’s best for your household.
We also recommend regular testing as part of a complete parasite prevention plan. Annual heartworm tests ensure your dog remains heartworm-free, even if a dose is missed or a product fails. Fecal exams can detect intestinal parasites that may be picked up at dog parks, boarding facilities, or from contaminated soil. These routine screenings are quick, affordable, and offer peace of mind.
Don’t let parasites put your pet at risk. Prevention is not only more effective than treatment—it’s also more comfortable for your pet and less costly for you. If you’re unsure whether your pet is up to date on their parasite prevention, or if you need help choosing the right product, schedule an appointment with us at Pet Care on Highland at (863) 937-7914. Together, we’ll keep the bugs away and your pet protected all year long.
