Ticks, fleas, worms, heartworm: how to effectively protect your dog? Find out when and which treatments to use to keep your dog safe for 365 days a year.
Many owners only think about parasites in summer. But ticks are active from as early as 3°C, fleas survive indoors year-round, and intestinal worms have no season. A comprehensive parasite protection plan covers 12 months, not just the warm ones.
Ticks transmit several serious diseases:
Peak season is April–October, but ticks can be active whenever temperatures exceed 3°C. In mild winters, they're present year-round.
| Product type | How it works | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Spot-on (topical) | Applied to skin, repels and kills | 4–12 weeks |
| Collar | Releases active substance continuously | 4–8 months |
| Oral tablet | Kills ticks after they bite | 1–3 months |
| Spray | Applied before exposure | Days |
Ask your vet which is best for your dog's lifestyle and size.
Check these spots: between toes, armpits, groin, neck, ears, around the eyes, and the base of the tail. Remove ticks with a dedicated tick removal tool, never with your fingers or by burning.
Fleas cause intense itching and can trigger allergic skin reactions (FAD, flea allergy dermatitis). They also transmit tapeworms. One flea laying eggs on your sofa creates an infestation within weeks.
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments: like your home. Central heating keeps indoor flea populations active through winter.
Use monthly or quarterly spot-on or oral treatments. If an infestation occurs, treat the dog and the home simultaneously. 95% of the flea population lives in bedding, carpets, and upholstery, not on the dog.
| Age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Puppies (0–3 months) | Every 2 weeks |
| 3–6 months | Monthly |
| Adults (dogs in contact with children) | Every 3 months |
| Adults (low risk) | Every 6 months |
Puppies should be dewormed from 2 weeks old, before their eyes even open.
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and is a serious risk in Southern Europe, the US, and tropical regions. If you travel with your dog, speak to your vet about preventive treatment before departure.
Increasingly common in the UK and parts of Europe. Spread through slugs and snails. Preventable with monthly prescription treatments. If your dog eats grass or drinks from puddles, ask your vet about lungworm prevention.
In PetsyPlanet, you can:
No more guessing when the last tablet was given.
Parasite protection is not a spring–summer task, it's a year-round commitment. Talk to your vet about the right products for your dog's lifestyle, and track every treatment in PetsyPlanet so nothing slips through the cracks.
This article is informational. Always consult your vet before starting or changing a parasite prevention programme.
This article is informational and does not replace a consultation with a veterinarian. Vaccination and deworming schedules and dietary advice are chosen individually. For the age, health and lifestyle of a particular animal. If you notice worrying symptoms, contact a vet.
Krystian Rygiel
Creator of PetsyPlanet. Writes about dog health because he's a dog owner himself and knows how important good medical records are.
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