Warmer months bring longer walks, backyard time, and more chances for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to hitch a ride on a beloved pet. In the Hudson Valley, wooded trails and tall grass make these parasites especially easy to pick up, and the risks they carry go far beyond a few itchy bites.
At Montgomery Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Melissa Grech-Attard and her team build parasite prevention into every wellness visit, so pet owners across Orange County have a clear plan for keeping their dogs and cats protected all year.
Why Local Geography Raises the Risk
Ticks thrive in the wooded, hilly terrain that surrounds Montgomery and much of the Hudson Valley. Deer populations are abundant, and deer are one of the primary hosts for the blacklegged ticks that spread Lyme disease. Mosquitoes are just as opportunistic, breeding in anything from a birdbath to a clogged gutter, which means heartworm risk is not limited to dogs who spend hours outdoors.
Research from the Companion Animal Parasite Council shows Lyme disease risk continuing to expand throughout the Northeast, with the region remaining one of the highest-risk areas in the country. That trend makes consistent, year-round prevention more important than a seasonal routine that starts in spring and stops in fall.
What Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms Actually Do
Fleas cause more than itching. A heavy infestation can lead to hair loss, skin infections, and tapeworms, and once fleas settle into a home, they are difficult to fully remove. Ticks carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and other diseases, all of which can cause joint pain, fatigue, and organ complications if left untreated.
Heartworm disease works differently but is no less serious. A single mosquito bite can introduce larvae that migrate to the heart and lungs, where they mature into worms capable of causing lasting damage. Because symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed, prevention is far safer and more affordable than treatment. Heartworm prevention is especially important for cats, as there is no treatment for them.
Building a Year-Round Prevention Plan
Every pet’s ideal prevention plan depends on age, weight, health history, and lifestyle. A dog who hikes regularly in wooded areas may need a different approach than an indoor cat, which is why Dr. Grech-Attard and her team tailor recommendations during wellness visits rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all product.
A complete plan generally includes the following habits that work together throughout the year:
- Monthly flea and tick prevention, given on schedule even during colder months
- Year-round heartworm prevention, because mosquitoes can be active indoors and out
- Annual heartworm and tick-borne disease testing through routine bloodwork
- Tick checks after hikes, yard time, or visits to wooded trails
These habits work best when they become routine rather than an afterthought, and missing even one month of prevention can leave a pet vulnerable during a critical window. We now offer year-round protection for both flea/tick and heartworm prevention with a single injection that is good for a year.
When Symptoms Appear
Lethargy, appetite changes, coughing, or joint stiffness can all be signs that a parasite-related illness has taken hold. Because pets cannot describe what they are feeling, routine testing often catches these issues long before outward symptoms appear, which is part of why annual screening matters even for pets who seem perfectly healthy.
Partner With Montgomery Veterinary Hospital for Your Pet’s Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
Montgomery Veterinary Hospital has served Orange County pets with hands-on, personalized care built around each animal’s specific needs. Dr. Grech-Attard’s team offers same-day appointments for pets showing signs of illness, in-house diagnostics to check for tick-borne disease and heartworm, and house calls for households where getting to the clinic is not always practical. Fear Free certification means every visit, from a routine parasite check to a more involved diagnostic workup, is handled with diligent care.
Flexible payment options, including CareCredit and in-house payment plans, along with discounts for seniors, military families, commuters, and multi-pet households, help make consistent prevention accessible rather than something to put off. To schedule a wellness visit or ask about the right prevention plan for your pet, reach out to us today.