At Cedar Veterinary Clinic in Southern Utah, parasite prevention is one of the most important services we offer. These pests can show up quickly and bring disease with them. This guide shares the most effective parasite prevention tips to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and heartworms. With support from your Cedar City, UT veterinarian, you can build a plan that keeps your furry companion comfortable, healthy, and pest-free year-round.

Why year-round parasite prevention is essential

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes thrive in warm climates like ours. While you might think of them as seasonal nuisances, many survive and spread all year—especially indoors or during mild winters. Without prevention, your pet risks:

• Fleas: Skin infections, tapeworms, anemia, and severe itching
• Ticks: Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Heartworms: A potentially fatal condition caused by mosquito bites

At our veterinary clinic in Southern Utah, we tailor parasite protection plans based on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk.

Flea and tick prevention in Southern Utah

In our area, flea and tick control should be a 12-month routine. There are many safe and effective options available through your veterinarian:

• Topical treatments: Applied monthly to kill and repel parasites
• Oral medications: Tasty chewables that offer protection for 30 to 90 days
• Collars: Long-lasting prevention (up to 8 months)

Always follow your vet’s dosage recommendations and never use dog products on cats. The exact recommendations may depend on your pet’s age, size, and health history.

Heartworm protection for dogs and cats

Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. These dangerous parasites affect the heart and lungs and can be fatal if left untreated. Prevention is simple and much safer than treatment!

• Dogs: Monthly chewables or 6/12-month injections available
• Cats: Monthly topical preventatives (no cure available if infected)

We recommend yearly heartworm tests for dogs to ensure protection is working. Cats are harder to test, which is why prevention is especially important.

How to create a parasite prevention plan

Working with your vet ensures your pet gets the safest, most effective protection.

• Annual checkups: Review your pet’s parasite risk and update medications
• Customized products: Choose based on species, lifestyle, age, and health
• Tracking tools: Use apps or reminders to stay on schedule

Prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether your pet hikes the trails or lounges indoors, our team will build a plan that fits.

Don’t wait until you see pests

By the time you see fleas or ticks, they’ve already begun to spread. The same is true for heartworms. Your pet could carry them for months before showing symptoms. Start early, stay consistent, and work with your veterinary clinic to adjust as needed. It’s the best way to protect your four-legged friend.

Keep your pet safe with parasite prevention

At Cedar Veterinary Clinic, we make parasite prevention simple and stress-free. From choosing the right product to staying on schedule, we’re here to help pets in Southern Utah live pest-free. Visit our Service Page to learn more about the services we offer and the types of pets we see. Call today to build a prevention plan tailored to your pet! This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.