Year-Round Parasite Protection Matters for Dogs and Cats

Parasite protection for dogs and cats

Why year-round prevention matters - even during winter in Victoria & Gippsland

When most people think about parasites like fleas and ticks, they often associate them with warmer weather. While parasite risks certainly increase during spring and summer, many parasites remain active throughout winter in Victoria and Gippsland. That means year round parasite prevention is one of the most important things you can do to protect your pets and your household. From fleas and intestinal worms to ticks, mites and heartworm, preventative care helps reduce the risk of illness, discomfort and costly treatment down the track.

Why is parasite prevention important?

Parasites are more than just a nuisance. Many can cause significant health issues for both pets and people, with some parasites capable of spreading disease or causing ongoing environmental infestations within the home.

Common parasites affecting dogs and cats in Australia include:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Intestinal worms
• Heartworm
• Mites

Regular preventative treatment helps protect your pet’s health and comfort, reduces the risk of household infestations, lowers the chance of parasite transmission to other animals, and helps minimise zoonotic disease risks to people.

Fleas are still a risk during winter

One of the biggest misconceptions about parasite control is that fleas disappear completely during colder months. In reality, fleas can survive surprisingly well through Victorian winters, particularly because many pets spend time indoors where heating creates warm environments, flea eggs and larvae can persist in carpets, bedding and indoor spaces, mild winter days can still support flea activity, and wildlife or other pets may continue introducing fleas into the environment.

Veterinary clinics still regularly diagnose flea infestations during winter, especially in homes where parasite prevention has been stopped seasonally. Importantly, not seeing fleas on your pet does not necessarily rule out an infestation. Fleas can jump on and off pets without being noticed, and by the time fleas are visible, eggs and larvae may already be present throughout the home environment.

What problems can fleas cause?

Fleas are not just irritating. They can lead to:

• Intense itching and skin irritation
• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Hair loss and skin infections
• Tapeworm transmission
• Anaemia in severe infestations, particularly in puppies and kittens

Some pets are extremely sensitive to flea bites, with even a small number of fleas causing significant skin flare ups.

Common parasites in dogs

• Intestinal Worms - Dogs can pick up intestinal worms from contaminated soil, faeces, fleas or prey animals. Some worms can also pose a risk to human health.
• Heartworm - Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and can cause serious damage to the heart and lungs. Prevention is far safer and more affordable than treatment.
• Ticks - While paralysis ticks are traditionally more common in northern Australia and coastal regions, ticks are gradually spreading further south. Ticks may also hitchhike into cooler regions on people, pets, vehicles, camping equipment or clothing, potentially exposing pets who have not travelled themselves.
• Depending on your pet’s lifestyle and travel history, tick prevention may still be recommended in Victoria and Gippsland.
• Mites - Some dogs can also be affected by mites, which may cause irritation, itching and skin disease.

Common parasites in cats

Cats are also vulnerable to:

• Fleas
• Intestinal worms
• Ear mites
• Tick exposure in some regions

Even indoor cats can still be exposed to parasites brought into the home environment on other pets, people or household items.

Year-round protection is recommended

Because many parasites remain active throughout the year, veterinarians generally recommend maintaining parasite prevention consistently rather than stopping during winter. Year round prevention helps break the flea life cycle, reduce seasonal outbreaks, maintain continuous heartworm protection and lower the risk of reinfection.

Consistency is key, especially as missing doses can leave pets vulnerable.

Parasite Prevention Products - There are many parasite prevention options available, including:

• Spot on treatments
• Chewable tablets
• Topical products
• Long acting veterinarian administered treatments

For eligible dogs, we also offer annual parasite prevention injections that provide long lasting protection for up to 12 months.

Your veterinarian can help recommend the most suitable parasite prevention product based on your pet’s species, age, weight, lifestyle, travel history and household environment.

NexGard Spectra for dogs

NexGard SPECTRA® for dogs provides broad spectrum monthly parasite protection in a convenient chew, covering fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms. Maintaining regular parasite prevention helps reduce the risk of exposure and supports your dog’s long term health, whether they are highly active outdoors or prefer a quieter indoor lifestyle.

NexGard Spectra for cats

NexGard SPECTRA® for cats provides broad spectrum parasite protection in a simple monthly spot on treatment, covering fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms. Whether your cat spends time outdoors or lives primarily indoors, maintaining regular parasite prevention can help reduce the risk of exposure and support their long term health and wellbeing.

There are a range of feline parasite prevention options available that protect against fleas, worms and other common parasites.

Signs your pet may have parasites - signs can vary depending on the parasite involved, but may include:

• Scratching or biting at the skin
• Hair loss
• Visible fleas or flea dirt
• Scooting
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weight loss
• Pot belly appearance
• Coughing
• Lethargy

Some pets may show only very subtle signs, particularly in the early stages.

Parasite prevention options available

We stock a range of parasite prevention products for both dogs and cats, including monthly spot ons, chewable tablets, topical products and long acting veterinarian administered options. For eligible dogs, we also offer annual parasite prevention injections that provide long lasting protection for 12 months.

Our team can help recommend the most suitable parasite prevention plan based on your pet’s age, lifestyle and individual needs.