When the weather warms up and the days get longer, we instinctively begin spending more time outdoors—and so do the pests that pose risks to our pets. In regions like Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and San Diego, the mild climate allows mosquitoes and other parasites to thrive nearly year-round. This makes parasite prevention not just a seasonal concern but a vital component of your pet’s ongoing health plan.

At Care Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to helping you stay ahead of these risks with proactive guidance and dependable care tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and your location.

1. Understanding Heartworm Disease: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly condition caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. Once inside a pet’s body, heartworm larvae grow and lodge in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels, causing serious health issues over time.

Dogs are natural hosts, but cats can also be affected—even though their symptoms may be harder to detect. Common signs include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and reduced appetite. Unfortunately, symptoms often appear only after the disease has progressed.

You can learn more about heartworm disease in pets through the American Heartworm Society’s detailed overview.

2. Why Prevention Matters More Than Ever in Southern California

The warm and temperate conditions of Southern California allow mosquitoes to remain active much longer than in other regions. Because of this, pets in areas like Temecula and San Diego are at risk almost year-round—not just during the summer months.

For this reason, we strongly recommend consistent, year-round preventive care that includes heartworm protection and parasite control. Prevention is not only safer and easier but also far more affordable than treatment.

In fact, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reports increasing prevalence of heartworm disease in areas where year-round prevention is not consistently practiced.

3. Signs of Other Common Parasites in Pets

While heartworm may be the most well-known, it’s certainly not the only parasite pet parents need to watch for. Fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms can cause a variety of symptoms and illnesses, from skin irritations to internal organ damage.

Some of the signs to look out for include:

• Excessive scratching or licking
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Visible worms in feces
• Lethargy or behavioral changes

If you notice any of these symptoms, in-house diagnostics can help determine the presence and type of parasite affecting your pet. Early detection allows for faster and more effective treatment.

4. Integrating Prevention Into Your Pet’s Wellness Plan

The best way to safeguard your pet is to incorporate parasite prevention into their routine care. This includes:

• Administering monthly heartworm preventives
• Keeping up with flea and tick treatments
• Scheduling regular wellness and preventive care exams
• Requesting a fecal test at least once a year

At Care Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, our veterinarians provide personalized recommendations based on your pet’s species, lifestyle, and potential health risks. Our team is dedicated to offering ongoing support to help you keep your pet healthy throughout the year.

Let’s Keep Your Pet Healthy, Happy, and Parasite-Free

Whether you live in Temecula or travel frequently between Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, or even the San Diego coast, protecting your pet from parasites is a year-round priority. Our experienced team at Care Animal Hospital & Urgent Care is ready to support you with compassionate guidance and effective prevention strategies.

If you haven’t updated your pet’s parasite prevention routine recently, now is the perfect time to schedule a wellness and preventive care visit. Together, we’ll make sure your furry family member stays safe, healthy, and happy—no matter the season.