Q&A With Dr. Gaylord On Heartworm, Flea, and Tick Prevention

Do I really need to give my dog heartworm/flea/tick prevention during the winter?

We all love our local parks and backyards, but being close to nature means year-round risks for our pets. Many owners wonder if they can skip parasite prevention in the winter, but my advice is simple: don’t risk it.

Even in the colder months, ticks and fleas remain active whenever temperatures rise above freezing. Here in Rockland County, there isn’t a single month when ticks completely disappear. While they may be less common in January and February, they can still latch onto pets during brief warm spells.

For dogs that spend any time outdoors, the risk of losing protection for even a few weeks far outweighs the cost savings of skipping doses. Our close proximity to wildlife comes with downsides—specifically, increased exposure to infectious diseases. While Lyme-infected deer ticks are the most well-known threat, they aren’t the only concern. Recently, we’ve been seeing a rise in cases of sarcoptic mange (known as scabies in people) among local pets.

Year-round prevention isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the most reliable way to keep your pets, and your family, healthy and safe.

What is mange?

While there are several types of mange, the one currently concerning us in our area is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. You may have noticed local wildlife, such as deer or foxes, with large bald patches and thickened, damaged skin. This is a classic sign of sarcoptic mange.

Historically, we didn’t view mange as a primary threat because it usually requires close contact with wildlife. However, due to the high density of wildlife in our backyards and local parks, we are seeing an uptick in cases among pets. These mites are highly contagious. Your dog doesn’t necessarily need to “play” with a fox to catch it; they can pick up mites simply by exploring an area where an infected animal has recently been. Sarcoptic mange is intensely itchy for dogs and can even spread to humans. It’s a tough condition to treat once it takes hold, but it is very easy to prevent. This is another reason why I recommend maintaining year-round prevention for your dog – it protects them from much more than just the common tick.

Do oral preventatives mean my dog won’t get fleas, heartworm, Lyme disease, or mange?

While nothing in medicine is 100%, dogs on year-round oral preventatives are highly protected from these threats. Think of oral preventatives as an internal security system rather than an invisible bubble. You might still see a tick crawling on your dog’s fur after a walk in the park, but once that tick tries to bite, the medication kicks in and kills it, usually before it can pass on Lyme disease.

The same goes for mange mites & fleas. As for heartworms, the pill clears out any hitchhikers your dog might have picked up from mosquito bites that month. While no medicine is perfect, being consistent every single month makes the risk of your dog getting sick incredibly low.

I use a topical flea and tick preventative. Is that just as good?

Topicals are a fine option if they are working for you, but they do have some limitations compared to oral preventatives. Most of our clients prefer the oral route because they cover heartworm, fleas and ticks, and it’s mess free – no worrying about the product rubbing off on furniture or washing off in the rain or at the groomer. 

The oral products are also very effective at preventing and treating ear mites and skin mites, such as the mange mites we’ve been seeing lately. While topicals vary in their ability to fight off different types of mites, the oral medications are specifically designed to handle them very effectively.

Are there dogs that should not be on preventatives?

Patient safety is our top priority. We are very selective about using oral preventatives in dogs with epilepsy or a history of seizures. While there are documented sensitivities in the veterinary field, in my own practice, I have never seen a case where these medications were suspected of causing a seizure in an otherwise healthy dog. However, if your dog has a history of neurological issues, we should discuss the specific risks and benefits. Together, we can determine the safest and most effective alternative for your pet’s unique needs.

What about natural/organic options?

I completely understand the desire for a more natural approach. We all want to minimize the chemicals our pets are exposed to. However, the challenge is that there are currently no studies that prove natural or organic products can effectively protect a dog from these threats. While some natural products can act as mild repellents, they don’t actually kill the parasites that transmit disease. In my experience, only the prescription products have been shown to be effective.

What are these things anyways? Just some nasty chemical?

Yeah, basically. But there is some pretty amazing science behind these chemicals. The active ingredients are engineered to target the nervous systems of cold-blooded pests like fleas, ticks, and mites. Because a dog’s nervous system is structured so differently from an insect’s, the medication doesn’t interfere with their health.

When we use a combo product, we also add ivermectin to the mix. This is a targeted cleanup for heartworm larvae and other intestinal worms. It’s about using the right tool for the job – something that is tough on pests but gentle on your dog.

Are there cheaper alternatives to the products that you carry?

There are other options out there, including cheaper topical treatments for fleas and ticks or separate oral products that target just heartworm. We have chosen to stock an all-in-one product because it offers the most comprehensive protection for our area, and they’re often the most convenient for owners.

While online prices can look lower at first glance, the manufacturer rebates we offer often make our in-clinic prices equivalent to—or even cheaper than—online retailers. 

We understand that cost is a major factor for many families. While there are a variety of flea, tick, and heartworm products available online, we carefully select the products we stock based on their safety, efficacy, and overall value. However, if you want to use something different, we can approve a prescription for other products. If you have questions, just call us, and we can discuss. 

If I have not been giving preventatives, do I need to do bloodwork first?

It’s always best to test for heartworm before jumping back into a prevention routine if there’s been a gap in coverage. The main reason is safety—giving heartworm medication to a dog that is already positive can sometimes cause a dangerous physical reaction as the parasites are cleared. If your dog has been off heartworm prevention and you would like to get them back on, give us a call, and we can schedule a time to test or discuss options. 

Are you just trying to get rich off this stuff?

While I wouldn’t mind the getting rich part, that’s not why we push preventatives! The truth is, we have seen firsthand how devastating—and expensive—it is to treat a full-blown flea infestation, Lyme disease, or heartworm.

Heartworm treatment is painful for the dog and can cost thousands of dollars, and both Lyme and heartworm can be fatal. I recommend these products because I’d much rather help you spend a little bit on prevention now than have to walk you through a difficult, heartbreaking, and very costly medical ordeal later. My goal is to keep your pet healthy so you only have to see us for the happy stuff or to just drop by to say hello & grab a treat.