Cat and Dog Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention in Savannah, GA
call the coast home. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks can remain active throughout much of the year, keeping dogs and cats at risk for parasites and the diseases they can carry.
Consistent cat and dog flea, tick, and heartworm prevention in Savannah, GA helps protect pets throughout every season. At Case Veterinary Hospital, we recommend prevention based on your pet’s species, age, health history, lifestyle, and individual risk factors.
Call (912) 352-3081 or request an appointment online to discuss parasite prevention for your dog or cat.
When Should Dogs and Cats Be on Parasite Prevention?
Dogs and cats in Savannah should generally receive parasite prevention year-round. The region’s mild winters and humid conditions allow mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks to remain a concern beyond the warmer months.
Mosquitoes transmit heartworms, while fleas and ticks can expose pets to additional parasites and infectious diseases. Exposure can happen in backyards, parks, walking trails, boarding facilities, grooming facilities, and other places pets visit.
Indoor pets can also encounter parasites. Mosquitoes can enter homes, fleas can hitch a ride indoors, and other pets or people can unknowingly bring fleas and ticks inside.
What Does Parasite Prevention Protect Dogs and Cats From?
The exact protection depends on the product your pet receives. Our veterinarian can recommend a combination that addresses the parasites your dog or cat is most likely to encounter.
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Heartworms:
Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms live in the heart, lung, and surrounding blood vessels, leading to serious complications and potentially life-threatening disease.
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Fleas:
These tiny pests cause itching, skin infections, and allergic reactions, and can also transmit tapeworms.
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Ticks:
Ticks can carry many different diseases, including Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, which can affect the joints, immune system, and organs.
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Intestinal parasites:
Some preventives also help control parasites like roundworms and hookworms, which can affect both pets and people.
What Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Preventives Does Case Veterinary Hospital Recommend?
There is no single parasite prevention plan that fits every pet. Case Veterinary Hospital offers several options and can help you compare them based on your dog or cat’s age, health, lifestyle, and ability to stay on a consistent dosing schedule.
For eligible dogs, long-acting injectable products can reduce the number of doses pet owners need to remember throughout the year.
ProHeart® 12 for Heartworm Prevention in Dogs
ProHeart 12 is a veterinarian-administered injection that prevents heartworm disease in eligible dogs for 12 months. It is approved for healthy dogs 12 months of age and older and also treats certain existing hookworm infections at the time it is administered. A heartworm test is required before starting.
Bravecto® Quantum for Flea and Tick Protection in Dogs
Bravecto Quantum is a veterinarian-administered injectable flea and tick preventive for dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older.
A single injection provides 12 months of protection against fleas and several tick species, including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, and Gulf Coast ticks. Protection against lone star ticks lasts 8 months, so dogs with potential exposure to lone star ticks may need a different dosing schedule or prevention plan.
What Parasite Prevention Is Available for Cats and Puppies?
Long-acting injectable options are not appropriate for every pet. Cats, young puppies, and dogs who are not candidates for these injections have other preventive options available, including monthly oral or topical products.
Our team can recommend a product based on the parasites it covers, your pet’s age and weight, lifestyle, medical history, and how the product is administered.
You can also order eligible preventive medications and request refills through our online pharmacy.
What If My Pet Has a Reaction to Parasite Prevention?
Most dogs and cats tolerate veterinarian-recommended parasite preventives well, but adverse reactions can occur with any medication.
Depending on the product, potential reactions may include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or irritation at an application or injection site. Certain flea and tick medications in the isoxazoline drug class have also been associated with neurologic reactions such as tremors, loss of coordination, or seizures.
Tell your veterinarian about your pet’s medical history, including any history of seizures or neurologic conditions, before starting a new preventive.
If you notice concerning symptoms after giving or receiving a preventive, contact Case Veterinary Hospital promptly. Seek immediate veterinary care for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, collapse, significant swelling, repeated seizures, or other signs of a serious reaction.
Call (912) 352-3081 or request an appointment online to discuss year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
Do Indoor Dogs and Cats Need Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention?
Yes, indoor pets can still be exposed to parasites. Mosquitoes can enter homes, fleas may be carried inside by people or other animals, and ticks can attach to pets during even brief periods outdoors. Your veterinarian can recommend prevention based on your pet’s individual exposure risk.
Do Dogs Need Heartworm Prevention Year-Round in Savannah, GA?
Yes. Savannah’s climate allows mosquitoes to remain active for much of the year, so veterinarians generally recommend uninterrupted heartworm prevention rather than seasonal treatment. Consistent prevention helps avoid gaps that could leave a dog vulnerable to infection.
Do Cats Need Heartworm Prevention?
Cats can develop heartworm disease after being bitten by an infected mosquito, including cats that live indoors. There is no approved medication that eliminates adult heartworms in cats the way heartworm infection can be treated in dogs, making prevention particularly important. Ask your veterinarian which feline heartworm preventive is appropriate for your cat.
Can My Pet Still Get Fleas While Taking Flea Prevention?
You may occasionally see a flea on a protected pet because many flea products work after the flea comes into contact with or feeds on the animal. Seeing fleas can also indicate that immature flea stages are present in the environment. If fleas continue to be a problem despite consistent prevention, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Can I Use the Same Flea and Tick Prevention on My Dog and Cat?
No. Never give your cat a flea or tick product intended for dogs unless your veterinarian specifically tells you it is safe. Certain ingredients used in canine products can be dangerous to cats. Use only products labeled or prescribed for your pet’s species, age, and weight.
What Happens If My Dog Tests Positive for Heartworms?
If a screening test indicates that your dog may have heartworms, your veterinarian will typically recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate your dog’s condition. Treatment recommendations depend on the stage of infection and your dog’s overall health. Starting treatment promptly can help reduce further damage.