Long summer days in South Florida bring more time for beach walks, backyard play, and outdoor adventures with our pets. But along with the sunshine comes a seasonal surge in parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes. At Kendall Animal Medical Center, we understand how important it is to keep your pet healthy, happy, and protected throughout the warm months and beyond.

Understanding the Threats: Why Parasite Prevention Matters

Parasites don’t take summer vacations — and in warm, humid regions like Miami, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, and South Miami, they thrive almost year-round. Fleas can lead to allergic reactions and skin infections, ticks can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, and a single mosquito bite can infect a dog with potentially fatal heartworms. These aren’t just minor nuisances — they are serious threats to your pet’s long-term health.

Tailored Preventive Care for Every Pet

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parasite prevention. That’s why our team at Kendall Animal Medical Center creates custom care plans based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, health status, and the risks in your area. Whether your dog loves hikes through Glenvar Heights or your cat enjoys lounging on the patio in Coral Terrace, we’ll make sure they have the protection they need.

Preventive care may include:

• Monthly flea and tick preventives
• Annual heartworm testing and medication
• Vaccinations to prevent tick-borne illnesses
• Regular wellness exams to catch issues early

The Companion Animal Parasite Council is a trusted source for understanding regional parasite prevalence and prevention strategies.

Flea and Tick Prevention: More Than Just a Bath

Many pet owners think an occasional bath or flea collar is enough. Unfortunately, these methods offer limited protection in the South Florida heat. Fleas can reproduce rapidly indoors and outdoors, while ticks often hitch a ride after outdoor outings. Consistent, veterinarian-recommended preventives are essential for keeping infestations at bay.

It’s also important to regularly check your pet’s coat — especially after visiting wooded or grassy areas — and look for signs like scratching, redness, or hair loss. Early detection makes treatment easier and reduces the risk of complications.

Protecting Against Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, and it’s a growing concern in Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas. It affects both dogs and cats, and once symptoms appear, the disease can be difficult and costly to treat. Prevention, on the other hand, is safe, effective, and affordable.

Kendall Animal Medical Center offers in-house heartworm testing and and tailored preventive care plans to help protect your pet year-round. With proactive guidance and treatments customized to your pet’s needs, you can enjoy the summer months with peace of mind. The American Heartworm Society is an excellent source for detailed information.

Tips for Keeping Your Home and Yard Pest-Free

Parasite prevention isn’t just about medication — it also means creating a clean, safe environment:

• Vacuum frequently to eliminate flea eggs and larvae
• Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water
• Mow the lawn and trim shrubs to reduce tick habitats
• Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed

These simple steps can go a long way in keeping your pet — and your family — protected.

Keeping Pets Safe Across Miami and Beyond

Whether you live in Olympia Heights or Sunset, or travel across the greater South Florida area, Kendall Animal Medical Center is here to help you stay proactive about your pet’s parasite prevention. Our compassionate team will guide you through every step.

Enjoy the season with peace of mind, knowing you’re doing everything you can to keep your pet protected.

Contact us to schedule a wellness check and receive a tailored preventive care approach—because your pet’s health is our top priority, every season of the year.