Tom Dock: Pets need year-round parasite protection
As we start to enter the cooler months, it’s a friendly reminder that the transition into autumn brings a specific set of risks for furry companions, from tailgating treats to hidden household pests.
Tom Dock, certified veterinary jounalist with Noah’s Animal Hospitals and a regular on Pet Pals TV, joined Daybreak to discuss why autumn is a critical time for pet health. While many owners look forward to the “first frost” as the end of parasite season, Dock says that is a dangerous misconception.
With football season in full swing, many pets are joining their owners for tailgates and parties. While it may be tempting to share a bite of grilled favorites, Dock warns that fatty foods can lead to severe health complications like pancreatitis.
“When we’re grilling, it’s often a very greasy, very fatty food,” Dock said. “Dogs don’t do well with that. They get pancreatitis. They’re going to act like they’re painful. They don’t want to lay down. They might start vomiting.”
What starts as a small treat can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.
“That’s a trip to the ER,” Dock said. “That might be hospitalization. That might be a couple thousand dollars.”
A common mistake among pet owners is stopping flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives once the weather turns chilly. Dock emphasizes that organizations like the CDC and the American Animal Hospital Association recommend keeping pets on parasite prevention year-round.
“Fleas will survive in freezing temperatures not for long, but they can survive several days, and they want to get inside, too.”
If your pet is scratching more than usual, it may not just be the dry air. While dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies to mold, dust, and grasses, Dock noted that the primary culprit for itchiness is usually more straightforward.
“The biggest reason that we see itchiness is fleas,” Dock said. “That’s almost always the reason.”
For more info on how to protect your pets, watch the interview with Patty Spitler and WISH-TV's Pam Elliot.
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