Flea & Tick Season Has Arrived: What Every Pet Owner in Dubuque Needs to Know
Nobody likes discovering creepy crawlies on their pet—or worse, in their house. Fortunately, protecting your furry friend from fleas, ticks, and even intestinal parasites is easier (and more important) than ever. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we want to help you stay ahead of these pesky parasites all year long. Here’s what you need to know to keep your dog or cat happy, healthy, and itch-free this season.
The Real Risks of Fleas and Ticks
Fleas can cause:
- Intense itching, skin infections, and hair loss
- Allergic reactions (some pets react to just one bite!)
- Anemia (blood loss) in severe infestations
- Tapeworms, which are passed when pets ingest infected fleas
Ticks are known to carry:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- And other serious illnesses that can affect your pet’s joints, kidneys, and immune system
Symptoms of tick-borne disease in dogs and cats include:
- Fever
- Lameness or swollen joints
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- In severe cases—organ failure or death
And yes—fleas and ticks bite humans too.
Parasites Aren’t Just a Summer Problem
Think parasites go away in the winter? Think again. Ticks become active any time it’s over 30°F (which happens more often than you think in Iowa). Fleas thrive indoors, especially in warm, cozy places like carpets, couches, and bedding. Flea eggs can also survive in your home for up to 9 months, waiting for the right moment to hatch.
That’s why our veterinarians recommend year-round protection with products like Nexgard Plus for dogs and Nexgard Combo for cats. These preventatives not only kill fleas and ticks—they also protect against intestinal parasites.
Flea & Tick Myths We Hear All the Time (and Why They’re Wrong)
“My pet can’t have fleas or ticks—he never goes outside.”
Fact: Fleas and ticks hitch rides on clothing, shoes, or other pets. And fleas love indoor living—especially in well-regulated temperatures. Even indoor pets are at risk.
“If my pet had fleas or ticks, I’d be getting bitten too.”
Fact: Fleas prefer pets over people, and often go unnoticed unless the infestation is large. Ticks don’t discriminate—but they’re experts at hiding in fur and going undetected.
“We have hardwood floors, so we can’t have fleas.”
Fact: Fleas lay eggs in cracks between floorboards and burrow into rugs and furniture. They can wait months to hatch. Prevention is the only reliable way to stop a home infestation.
“I’d see fleas or ticks if my pet had them.”
Fact: Fleas and ticks are tiny—like the size of a pinhead. Fleas move fast and hide in thick fur. Ticks often aren’t seen until they’ve fed and engorged. Often, we only spot signs like flea dirt (their poop).
Prevention Is Everything
The good news? You can avoid all of this with monthly oral preventatives that are safe, easy, and highly effective. At PetMed of Key West, we recommend:
- Nexgard and Nexgard Plus for dogs – protects against fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites
- Nexgard Combo for cats – offers the same complete coverage for your feline friends
These products are veterinary-approved, backed by clinical research, and far more effective (and safer) than store-bought treatments or outdated flea collars.
Keep Your Summer (and Home) Pest-Free
Whether your pet stays inside or loves exploring the great outdoors, parasite prevention should be a part of every pet’s health plan. Call PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic at (563) 583-8387 to refill your parasite preventatives or book an appointment online. Enjoy the warmer months without the worry. Let us help keep your pets—and your home—itch-free and protected.