Year-Round Parasite Prevention for Pets | Townsgate
Southern California is known for its mild winters and sunny skies—which means fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes never really go away. Unlike colder regions where pests disappear during winter months, our climate allows parasites to thrive almost all year long. That’s why at Townsgate Pet Hospital, we strongly advocate for year-round parasite prevention for dogs and cats alike.
It’s easy to underestimate the risk if your pet mostly stays indoors or only goes outside for brief walks. But all it takes is one flea brought in on a shoe, or one mosquito bite in the backyard, to cause serious health problems. And the consequences of letting your guard down—even for a season—can be far more costly than prevention.
Fleas are small but mighty. In addition to causing itchy bites and skin irritation, they can transmit tapeworms and trigger severe allergic reactions. Once fleas infest your pet or home, they reproduce rapidly—making them difficult to eliminate without comprehensive treatment.
Ticks are less common in urban areas but still a threat in parks, hiking trails, and even your backyard. They can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and other dangerous infections. Many tick-borne diseases can lie dormant and become serious months after the initial bite.
Perhaps the most underestimated threat is heartworm disease. Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites and can silently grow inside your pet’s heart and lungs for months before symptoms appear. In dogs, heartworm disease causes coughing, fatigue, and potentially heart failure. In cats, it’s often harder to detect but can still cause respiratory distress or sudden death. The good news? It’s completely preventable.
Townsgate Pet Hospital carries safe, effective parasite preventives that cover a range of threats. We’ll help you choose the best product based on your pet’s species, weight, age, health status, and lifestyle. Options include monthly chewable tablets, topical treatments, and long-lasting injectables. Some products also cover internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, which can affect both pets and humans.
Prevention is simple and affordable—and much easier than treating a full-blown infestation or illness. We’ll make sure your pet’s protection plan is up to date at every wellness visit, and we’re always here to answer questions or recommend seasonal updates based on current risk levels.
Living in a beautiful, temperate climate comes with plenty of perks—but it also requires consistent vigilance when it comes to parasite control. Contact us today at (805) 230-1999 or visit us at 2806 Townsgate Road Suite C,Westlake Village, CA 91361. Let us help you keep your pet protected, comfortable, and healthy all year long.
