Written by Dr. Anna, Camden Pet Hospital
Hello, neighbors! Dr. Anna here from Camden Pet Hospital. As the temperature drops and snow blankets our yards, many pet owners ask me the same question: “Can we take a break from parasite prevention during the winter months?” I wish I could say yes to save you some money, but the truth is, winter in Minnesota doesn’t mean our pets are safe from parasites—in fact, some risks are just as high as in summer.
Winter doesn’t stop parasites
Let me share the biggest risk factors that keep parasites active even when it’s cold outside:
Outdoor exploration. Even a quick potty break exposes your dog or outdoor cat to parasites. Our pets are naturally curious, sniffing at rabbit dens, investigating coyote fur left behind, and sometimes finding dead animals. These seemingly harmless winter activities can expose them to mange, fleas and intestinal parasites.
Uninvited houseguests. When temperatures drop, mice seek warmth inside our homes—and they bring additional unwelcome companions with them. Rodents commonly carry fleas and tapeworms that can quickly transfer to your pets. If you’re dealing with mice, please use pet-safe traps rather than rodenticides like D-con. These poison products are extremely toxic to pets, whether they ingest the poison directly or eat a poisoned rodent.
Your houseplants. This one surprises many people! A study looking at potting soil showed 15% of bags contained roundworm and hookworm eggs, which means your indoor pet can be exposed to parasites without ever stepping outside! It’s just another reminder that parasites find ways to reach our pets year-round.
Warm winter days. Climate patterns are changing, and we’re seeing more unseasonably warm days sprinkled throughout our Minnesota winters. Mosquitos and ticks don’t wait for a traditional spring thaw anymore—they become active immediately when temperatures rise, even in January or February. And they carry deadly diseases.
Heartworm protection: The one thing you can’t skip
Here at Camden Pet Hospital, we see the consequences when pet owners skip winter heartworm prevention, and it breaks our hearts every time. The days of “seasonal prevention” are gone. Heartworm disease is deadly, and preventing it costs far less than treating it.
We’re seeing significantly more heartworm cases in Minnesota than ever before. Two main factors are driving this increase: the number of rescue animals arriving from the southern United States (where heartworm is endemic) and our increasingly mild winters that allow mosquitos to survive longer. These mosquitos are also hardier and more resilient than they used to be.
For dogs especially, year-round heartworm prevention is the most important thing to continue, even when it’s below zero outside. Please don’t gamble with your dog’s life on this one.
Prevention options that fit your lifestyle
The good news? Vets have more options than ever to keep your pets protected. Prevention comes in various forms including oral medications and injectable options. If remembering monthly treatments is challenging, ask your vet about the injectable preventatives that last all year long—one appointment, and your pet is protected for 12 months. This can be especially helpful for busy families or for pets who are difficult to medicate at home. We now have an injectable heartworm medicine that lasts for a full year and in the last month, we’ve just gotten an injectable flea/tick prevention medicine that lasts for a full year too!
Making prevention affordable
I know times are tight for many families, and pet care is an added expense. If you need to prioritize, focus on heartworm prevention first, flea/tick prevention second. Flea and tick prevention is important—nobody wants to deal with an infestation or a tick-borne disease—but these conditions are usually treatable and rarely fatal, unlike heartworm.
Consider asking your vet about wellness plans, which spread the cost of preventive care throughout the year and always include parasite prevention for all the canine plans. This can make budgeting much easier and ensures your pet stays protected without financial surprises.
Your pets depend on you to keep them safe, even from threats you can’t see like microscopic parasites. If you have questions about which prevention protocol is right for your pet, or if you’re concerned about costs, please call your vet or us at Camden Pet Hospital. We’re here to help you keep your furry family members healthy all year long.
Thanks for doing your best to help keep your pets fit and healthy! Stay warm out there!