{"id":590,"date":"2024-04-23T12:19:01","date_gmt":"2024-04-23T19:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bowmanvet.com\/?p=590"},"modified":"2025-09-17T14:11:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T21:11:59","slug":"back-to-basics-flea-tick-and-heartworm-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/back-to-basics-flea-tick-and-heartworm-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Back To Basics: Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ah, spring. There\u2019s nothing like it. From the smell of dirt as you dig in your garden to the sight of new grass and leaves when you walk your dog, there\u2019s a lot to love about this season. Unfortunately for our pets, fleas<\/a>, ticks, and the mosquitos that carry heartworm larvae also love springtime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Even though your pet needs heartworm<\/a> prevention\u2014along with flea and tick prevention\u2014all year long, these pests thrive in warmer weather. Fleas cause major skin irritation for your pet and often invade your home. Ticks<\/a> suck your dog or cat\u2019s blood and can transmit harmful bacteria to your pet\u2019s bloodstream. Heartworms grow inside your dog<\/a> or cat\u2019s organs, causing illness and even death.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what can you do to prevent these pests from harming your pet? The old saying is true: when it comes to fleas, ticks<\/a>, and heartworm, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The experts at Bowman Veterinary Hospital would like to share tips for heartworm<\/a> prevention and flea and tick prevention for your pet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flea and Tick Prevention <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the easiest ways to prevent your dog or cat from getting fleas and ticks is with flea and tick prevention medication. When you come to Bowman Veterinary Hospital for your pet\u2019s annual checkup, our veterinary team can recommend or prescribe a flea and tick prevention medication. You\u2019ll typically need to give it to your pet once a month for all 12 months of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know that life gets busy and it\u2019s easy to forget a dose of your pet\u2019s flea and tick prevention medicine. However, giving your pet their medication on time is the best way to protect them against infestation. We recommend setting a reminder on your phone or calendar to help you remember when it\u2019s time for another dose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heartworm Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that enters your pet\u2019s body through a mosquito bite. Mature heartworms look like cooked spaghetti. They can grow up to 12 inches long, and they live inside your pet\u2019s heart, lungs, and bloodstream. The single best way to avoid the discomfort and heartache that comes with this disease is heartworm prevention medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heartworm prevention medications<\/a> are only available with a prescription from a veterinarian. At Bowman Veterinary Hospital, our team can give your dog or a cat a heartworm test to make sure they aren\u2019t already infected with the disease. Then, we can discuss your heartworm prevention choices. Most clients choose one of three options: <\/p>\n\n\n\n