Parasite Prevention in Gulf Breeze

Year-Round Protection for Your Pet in Gulf Breeze, FL 

Living in Gulf Breeze, Florida, we enjoy warm weather and outdoor fun almost every day of the year. But with that weather comes a real risk from parasites like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. They all can cause serious illness in our dogs and cats. Unlike northern climates where pests go dormant in winter, Florida’s mild temperatures mean parasites are active year-round. Parasite prevention in Gulf Breeze shouldn’t take a break either. 

Heartworm Disease: What It Is & Why Year-Round Prevention Matters 

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. When an infected mosquito bites your dog or cat, larvae enter the bloodstream and mature into adult worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Over time, these worms damage organs and can lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death if untreated. 

In Florida, mosquitoes never really go away, so that’s why heartworm prevention is important year round. A single missed dose of prevention puts your pet at risk. Indoor pets are not completely safe from mosquitoes entering your home. So please keep everyone on prevention! 

Fleas:

Fleas are tiny and feed on your pet’s blood. They can cause:

• Severe itching and dermatitis 

• Anemia, especially in puppies or small dogs 

• Tapeworm transmission when pets ingest fleas

Fleas thrive in Florida’s climate year round and can infest your yard and your house.

Ticks:

Ticks live in grassy areas or in areas with a lot of brush. They are often in places we often love to explore with our dogs here in Gulf Breeze. Florida is home to several tick species that can carry disease.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases 

Dogs in Florida are at risk for: 

• Ehrlichiosis – carried by ticks like the lone star tick and black legged tick.

• Anaplasmosis – transmitted by ticks including the black-legged tick 

• Lyme disease – also transmitted by black-legged ticks, with canine cases rising in the state 

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other spotted fever illnesses are possible though less common 

Ticks can also directly cause anemia, skin irritation, and in rare cases, tick paralysis due to prolonged feeding and toxin exposure. Companion Animal Parasite Council has a lot of good information on their website.

Why Year-Round Tick Prevention Is Important 

Ticks don’t hibernate in Florida. They stay active through winter and summer alike. That means even a quick walk in tall grass or time spent at the dog park can expose your pet to tick bites. 

Prevention Options We Recommend & Carry 

Protecting your pet with veterinarian-recommended products is the best defense. Here’s what we offer at the clinic: 

Dogs 

Heartworm Prevention Options We Carry:

• ProHeart Injection – A convenient injectable that lasts for 12 months, eliminating the need for monthly dosing. 
• Interceptor – A monthly oral tablet that prevents heartworms while also addressing certain intestinal parasites. 
• Sentinel Spectrum – A monthly chewable that not only prevents heartworm but also has some flea and intestinal parasite prevention.
• Simparica trio – A monthly chewable that includes heartworm prevention, flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention.

A negative heartworm test before starting prevention is required.

Flea and Tick Prevention Options We Carry:

• Bravecto (Topical & Chewable) – Long-lasting flea and tick protection. They offer up to 3 months of coverage.
• Credelio – A monthly chewable that kills fleas and ticks quickly after exposure. 
• Seresto Collar – Lasts up to 8 months

Cats 

Revolution Plus Prevents heartworm, fleas, and ticks in a way that’s safe for cats. 

In Conclusion Prevention is Very Important to Keep Your Pet Healthy!

Year-round prevention is about protecting your pet’s health. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease, fleas can cause skin disease, and ticks carry dangerous pathogens. They are real threats here in Northwest Florida.

Give Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital a call or schedule a consultation. We’ll tailor a prevention plan that fits your pet’s age, outdoor exposure, and overall health.