Why Heartworm and Flea & Tick Prevention Matters for Your Dog

As pet owners, we all want to keep our dogs safe, healthy, and happy. One of the most important, and often overlooked, ways to do that is by consistently using heartworm and flea & tick prevention. These tiny parasites can cause major health issues, but with regular protection, they're easily avoidable.

The True Cost of Prevention vs. Treatment

Preventative treatments for heartworm and fleas & ticks typically cost between $20–$40 per month, depending on your dog's size and the brand you use. That’s around $240–$480 per year, a reasonable price for peace of mind.

In contrast, treating heartworm disease after infection can cost $1,000–$1,800 or more, not to mention the physical toll on your dog. Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease can also lead to chronic health problems, requiring ongoing medication, bloodwork, and veterinary care.

Why Location Matters

Your geographic region plays a key role in how often you need to use prevention:

• Northern states with cold winters (like Minnesota or Maine) may see a drop in mosquito and tick activity during the winter months. In these areas, your vet may recommend pausing prevention from November to February, but only do this with your vet's guidance.

  
  

• However, northeastern and northwestern states (like New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Washington) still have high tick populations year-round, especially in wooded or damp areas. Ticks can be active even in temperatures as low as 40°F, making year-round prevention important.

  
  

• In southern and coastal states (like Florida, Texas, Arizona, or the Carolinas), heartworm and tick risks are present all year due to the warmer climate.

Prevention Is the Safer Choice

While skipping a few months might seem harmless, it's a gamble. Heartworms are transmitted by just one mosquito bite. Ticks can latch on after a short walk through tall grass. Prevention not only saves money in the long run but can save your dog’s life.

Talk to your vet about what’s best for your area and your pet’s lifestyle. Prevention is a small step that offers big protection.