September is

Prevention Awareness Month
 

By Dr. Michael Windley DVM

The peak of flea and heartworm season is about to slow down but prevention for all parasites should be year-round.

Most parasites that we see in our area are able to survive and reproduce all year if their environment is suitable. Factors for this include proper humidity, temperature, and food source. 

 Common parasites in our area:

 Fleas --- eggs to maturity=a few days up to 1 year.  

Mosquitoes (which are the carrier for heartworms)

                ---eggs to maturity=a few days up to 1 month. 

Ticks   ---eggs to maturity=a few weeks up to 2 years. 

Intestinal Worms -eggs to maturity=weeks up to 1-2 years.