Yes, prevention is needed all year round, especially in areas where it doesn't get cold enough to kill off fleas and ticks. Even during the winter, warm days can cause these parasites to become active again after being dormant during colder periods.

You should definitely talk with your veterinarian about the best prevention for your cat. There are over-the-counter options and prescription options. Prescription options are always the better choice. Over-the-counter options can be toxic to cats, and even those labeled for cats can sometimes cause problems. Prescription options are also more effective, as many over-the-counter options have been on the market for a long time and are no longer effective, as fleas and ticks have grown resistant to them.

Typically, in cats, we use a topical medication for flea and tick prevention.

Prevention is key and it's fairly easy. In cats, we typically use a topical type of prevention, which is a liquid that goes in between their shoulder blades. The frequency varies depending on the type of prevention, usually once a month, once every two months, or once every three months.

Yes, dogs need to receive vaccinations regularly to maintain their immunity to diseases. After a dog turns one year of age, as long as their vaccines have been on schedule, they will receive distemper parvo and rabies vaccines every three years. Lyme, leptospirosis, kennel cough, and flu vaccines are given once a year. Skipping vaccinations can hinder a dog's immune system and increase their risk of contracting diseases, especially for senior pets.

Non-core vaccinations include the kennel cough, Lyme, and flu vaccines. The kennel cough vaccine is recommended for dogs that will be boarded, kenneled, groomed, or attend doggy daycare. The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs that live in or frequently visit wooded areas, go hiking or camping, or are exposed to ticks. However, even if a dog goes for a walk outside, there may be ticks waiting in the grass for your dog to pass so they can latch on, so the Lyme vaccine is always recommended. The flu vaccine is especially important for dogs that will be boarding, grooming, or attending doggy daycare, as the flu can be deadly and easily transmitted in these environments.