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Wellness Care

Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm in Tennessee: A Year-Round Prevention Plan

In Tennessee, parasite prevention isn’t just a summer thing. Fleas, ticks, and heartworm can be a year-round threat—especially with mild winters and our long warm seasons.

If you’re not sure what your pet needs, we can tailor a plan based on age, lifestyle, and risk.
➡️ Wellness care: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/wellness-care/
➡️ Request an appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/

Why parasite prevention matters more than you think

Parasites aren’t just annoying—they can cause serious illness:

  • Heartworm disease can be life-threatening and costly to treat
  • Ticks can transmit infections and cause anemia
  • Fleas can trigger severe itching/allergies and tapeworms
  • Intestinal parasites can affect pets and (in some cases) people

Heartworm: why “skipping winter” is risky

Mosquitoes can show up during warm spells even in cooler months. Heartworm preventives are most effective when given consistently.

Recommended: year-round prevention + annual testing (or as advised by your vet).

Fleas: they live in your home, not just your yard

Fleas don’t only come from grass—they can hitch a ride on wildlife, other pets, and visitors. Once fleas get inside, the life cycle can keep going.

If you’re seeing fleas now, you need both:

  • A fast-acting flea product for your pet
  • A plan to break the cycle (your vet can guide this)

Ticks: not every tick bite is harmless

Ticks can transmit disease and cause painful skin reactions. A vet-recommended tick preventive is especially important if your pet:

  • Hikes, hunts, or visits wooded areas
  • Goes to daycare/boarding
  • Spends time around wildlife

What prevention plan is best?

It depends on:

  • Your pet’s age and health
  • Outdoor exposure
  • Household pets (dogs/cats)
  • Travel/boarding/grooming frequency

➡️ Talk with our team at your wellness visit: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/wellness-care/

When to schedule

If your pet isn’t on consistent prevention—or you’ve found fleas/ticks—schedule a visit so we can set the right plan.

➡️ Request appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
➡️ Contact: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/contact-us/