Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms are not just bothersome. They can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses in dogs. At Anchor Animal Hospital, we believe prevention is the most effective way to protect your pet. That is why we recommend keeping your dog on safe, effective preventatives year-round.
Heartworm in Dogs
Heartworm disease is one of the most dangerous conditions that can affect dogs. It is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, which is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside the body, immature larvae travel through the bloodstream and mature into worms that live in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels. A single dog can host dozens or even hundreds of worms, and these worms can live for years, causing lasting damage to the heart and lungs.
Many people assume that heartworm is only a problem for animals living in the southern United States, but this is not true. Heartworm disease has been increasing in New England for years, and cases continue to rise across the region. Any dog that is bitten by a mosquito is at risk, even if they spend most of their time indoors.
Dogs with heartworm disease may develop a soft, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. In advanced cases, heartworm disease can lead to heart failure, severe respiratory distress, and even sudden death.
Treatment is possible, but it is expensive, lengthy, and carries health risks. Prevention is far easier, safer, and more effective. Puppies can start prevention as early as six to eight weeks of age. Adult dogs should have a yearly blood test to ensure they are free of infection before continuing prevention.
Fleas in Dogs
Fleas are the most common external parasite in dogs. They cause itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions such as flea allergy dermatitis. Heavy infestations may lead to anemia and fleas can also spread tapeworms and other diseases. Fleas multiply quickly and can infest both pets and homes, which makes prevention the best defense. Even primarily indoor dogs are at risk because fleas can ride in on people, clothing, or other pets.
Ticks in Dogs
Ticks attach to a dog's skin and feed on blood, often going unnoticed for days. They can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Babesiosis. These infections may cause joint pain, kidney disease, neurologic issues, and other serious health complications.
Tick-borne illnesses are highly prevalent in our region, and the tick population continues to increase each year. This means that the risk of disease transmission is higher than ever, even for dogs that only spend short amounts of time outdoors. Prevention is the safest way to keep your pet protected from ticks and the serious illnesses they carry.
Year-Round Prevention
Parasites can be active in every season. Fleas can survive indoors during the winter, ticks are active whenever temperatures are mild, and mosquitoes that carry heartworm can be present earlier in spring and stay later into fall than many people expect. Because of these risks, the American Heartworm Society and veterinary experts recommend year-round parasite prevention.
At Anchor Animal Hospital, we carry veterinarian-approved products that protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworms in a single monthly dose. This makes prevention convenient and reliable while ensuring your dog is fully covered. Preventatives sold through veterinarians are safer and more effective than many over-the-counter products, and they are backed by clinical research and strict safety standards.
Annual Testing
Even with consistent prevention, annual testing is essential. We recommend that every dog be tested once a year for both heartworm and tick-borne diseases. These quick blood tests allow us to detect infections early, confirm that preventatives are working effectively, and ensure that your pet stays healthy year after year.
By combining year-round prevention with yearly testing, you give your dog the best protection against parasites and the serious illnesses they can cause.