Article by Diana G.

We hear the myth from pet parents  that their pets “ don’t need flea and tick meds during the winter months because the bugs all die…” and as a hospital in Southern California that cannot be further from the truth.

Fleas and ticks pose a year-round threat to our pets  (and I’m writing this as a human who just had to pull a tick off herself after a local Southern California hike.. It’s February). These tiny parasites not only cause discomfort and irritation, but also transmit dangerous diseases to pets and even humans. 

 Let’s learn more about those diseases, why we need to prioritize year round prevention, and why it’s crucial to obtain these preventatives directly from your veterinarian or a trusted medication provider.

Why You REALLY Don’t Want Fleas & Ticks:

Fleas and ticks are more than just annoyances; they’re vectors for a variety of diseases that can have serious consequences for pets. Fleas can cause diseases such as flea allergy dermatitis, anemia (especially in young or small pets), and tapeworm infestations.

Ticks, on the other hand, are notorious carriers of diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening illness in pets. And they aren’t just an outside problem; they can easily hitch a ride indoors on clothing, shoes, or other pets.

Which means… even your indoor pets would benefit from being on flea and tick meds.

Why Year Round Prevention?

One common misconception is that fleas and ticks are only active during warmer months. While it’s true that their activity may peak in spring and summer, many species remain active year-round, especially in temperate climates * ahem * Southern California,  or indoor environments with central heating.

Additionally, certain life stages of these parasites, such as flea eggs and ticks in the nymph stage, are resilient to cold temperatures, allowing them to survive even during winter months. This means that pets are at risk of flea and tick infestations and the associated health risks regardless of the season.

Fortunately, there are numerous safe and effective flea and tick preventatives available, including topical treatments, oral medications, collars, and sprays. This ain’t the 80’s anymore… we have so many options to prevent and treat flea and ticks. These products work by either repelling parasites or killing them upon contact, disrupting their life cycle and preventing infestations from taking hold. 

Now that you are hopefully understanding of the importance of having your pet on flea and tick meds year round, let’s discuss finding the right provider of your pets flea and tick meds. 

Why It Matters Where You Get Your Meds:

While it may be tempting to purchase these products from some online retailers with fast shipping for convenience or cost savings, doing so can pose significant risks to your pet’s health.

(Not going to name names.. But think of ones that dropship products and likely do not have quality control or keep the medications in safe temperate environments that the meds require).

There have been numerous reports of counterfeit or improperly stored medications being sold through online platforms, which may be ineffective or even harmful to pets.

It is always a scary situation for pet parents when they administer a flea and tick med at home that they bought online, and 30 minutes later their dog is uncontrollably shaking. We want to prevent that from happening to you so please, be smart about who you are buying from. 

Buying your Flea and Tick Meds directly from your veterinarian is the best way to ensure safe products. Veterinarians can also recommend the most appropriate preventative for your pet’s individual needs, provide guidance on proper administration and dosage, and ensure that the product is obtained from reputable manufacturers.

Clients of APCC can order medications by emailing us at aliciapetcare@gmail.com, calling us at 949-768-1313, or you can order through our online pharmacy portal. * Your pet must be up to date on an exam and please provide us 24 hours to fill meds *

In conclusion – flea and tick meds year round and buy from a reputable source! Stay Safe and Adventure on!

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• Pet Boarding
• Grooming
• Laboratory Facilities

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