When it comes to keeping our pets happy and healthy, parasite prevention is one of the most important—yet often overlooked—parts of routine veterinary care. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your family or continuing care for your adult pet, protecting against parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms is essential. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we encourage pet owners to start parasite prevention early and maintain it year-round. Here’s why.
Why Early Prevention Matters
Starting parasite prevention early—ideally at your pet’s first visit—is one of the most important steps you can take for their lifelong health. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to parasites because their immune systems are still developing. In fact, some parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or nursing, meaning your pet may already be infected before ever stepping foot outside.
Early prevention isn’t just about protecting your pet—it’s also about safeguarding your family. Several parasites are zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted to humans. Children are particularly at risk, as they’re more likely to have close contact with pets and environments where parasites may be present. By starting prevention early, you reduce the risk of exposure for everyone in your home.
Another reason early prevention matters is the cost and risk of treatment compared to prevention. Treating a heartworm infection, for example, is not only expensive but also comes with health risks and a lengthy recovery process. Preventive medications, on the other hand, are safe, effective, and relatively affordable—especially when you consider the consequences of skipping them.
Finally, parasites are often difficult to detect until they’ve caused significant damage. Heartworm disease can develop silently over several months before symptoms like coughing or fatigue become apparent. Fleas and intestinal parasites may go unnoticed until they’ve already multiplied or caused complications. Preventive care interrupts the lifecycle of these parasites before they have a chance to cause serious harm, making early action a smart, proactive choice.
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Year-Round Protection: Why It’s Essential in Michigan
It’s a common misconception that parasite prevention is only needed during warmer months. While it’s true that some parasites are more active in the spring and summer, many—like fleas and intestinal parasites—can survive indoors or in sheltered outdoor spaces year-round. And some types of ticks in Michigan, like the black-legged (deer) tick, remain active well into the cooler months.
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we recommend year-round monthly prevention for both dogs and cats. Here’s why:
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Fleas can survive in heated homes throughout the winter.
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Ticks can be active in temperatures as low as 35–40°F.
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Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, which can survive in garages, basements, and other warm areas.
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Monthly preventives protect against multiple parasites with one dose—missing even a month can leave a gap in protection.
Common Parasites That Affect Dogs and Cats in Michigan
Michigan’s changing seasons and varied landscape provide the perfect environment for a wide range of parasites. Fleas are one of the most common offenders and can be a year-round problem, especially inside warm homes. They cause intense itching and skin irritation, and can also transmit tapeworms. Even a few fleas can quickly become a full-blown infestation if not caught early.
Ticks are another major concern in our region. Black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks), American dog ticks, and lone star ticks are all found in Michigan, often in wooded or grassy areas. These parasites attach to pets to feed on blood and can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Tick exposure isn’t limited to rural hikes—suburban backyards and parks can be hotspots too.
Heartworms pose a deadly threat to both dogs and cats and are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside the body, heartworm larvae travel to the heart and lungs, where they mature and can cause severe damage. While heartworm disease is more commonly diagnosed in dogs, cats are not immune. Even a single heartworm can cause life-threatening respiratory problems in cats, making prevention vital.
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are also prevalent in Michigan. These worms are usually transmitted through contaminated soil, feces, or prey animals, and can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting. Some of these parasites can infect humans as well, making regular deworming and monthly preventives essential for household safety.
Our Recommendations at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we believe parasite prevention should be personalized to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. However, there are some general guidelines we encourage for all pet owners. Puppies and kittens should begin parasite prevention as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their immune systems are still developing, and early exposure to parasites can have lasting health impacts if not addressed quickly.
For both dogs and cats, we strongly recommend maintaining monthly parasite prevention all year long. While it might seem like winter offers a break from pests, the reality is that fleas can thrive indoors, ticks remain active in cool weather, and mosquitoes—which spread heartworms—can survive in garages and basements. Year-round coverage ensures your pet is protected during every season, without any gaps in medication that could lead to reinfection.
Annual wellness exams are a key part of your pet’s preventive care plan. These visits allow us to screen for parasites and assess the ongoing effectiveness of your prevention routine. During these checkups, we can also help you choose a parasite preventive that fits your pet’s needs and your household budget. Many of today’s options combine protection against multiple parasites in a single dose, making it easier to stay on schedule.
Consistent, vet-approved parasite prevention is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pet—and your family—from serious health risks. We’re always happy to answer questions, review your current prevention plan, and help you make adjustments as needed.
Protecting Your Pet Starts Now
Parasite prevention is one of the simplest and most effective ways to give your pet a longer, healthier life. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we believe in starting early, staying consistent, and working together to keep your pet parasite-free through every season.
If you have questions about which parasite prevention is right for your pet—or if you’d like to get started—call us or book an appointment online today. You can also order your pets prevention online through our online pharmacy, and have them shipped directly to you!
