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Parasite Prevention Guide

DOG
CAT

See the Risks in Your Region*

Northeast
South
Midwest
West
Northeast map
High Risk
Icon Dog Tick Dog Tick
Icon Blacklegged (Deer) Tick Blacklegged
(Deer) Tick
Moderate Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution. html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-northeast/.

See the Full Report

People and pets living in the Northeastern U.S. enjoy the changing seasons and a variety of outdoor activities. But heavily wooded areas, high populations of deer and wild animals, and the prevalence of lakes and rivers all provide a habitat for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to thrive. Learn more about parasite risks in the Northeastern states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

South map
High Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas
Moderate Risk
Icon Gulf Coast Tick Gulf Coast Tick

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-south/.

See the Full Report

In the Southern United States, there is no real “off season” for fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes. In fact, the South has the highest incidence of heartworm disease in the country due to the region's warm, humid climate, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes. Dogs and cats living in Southern states should be on year-round parasite preventatives. Learn how to protect pets in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Midwest map
High Risk
Icon Dog Tick Dog Tick
Icon Blacklegged (Deer) Tick Blacklegged
(Deer) Tick
Moderate Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-midwest/.

See the Full Report

The Midwest is home to the sprawling plains, the shores of the Great Lakes, and the foothills of the Ozark and Appalachian Mountains. While the region's harsh winters have historically kept parasite activity lower than other parts of the country, warming temperatures are giving way to longer flea, tick, and heartworm seasons. Use this guide to understand pet parasite risks in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

West map
High Risk
Icon Blacklegged Tick (Western) Blacklegged
Tick (Western)
Icon Rocky Mountain Wood Tick Rocky Mountain
Wood Tick
Moderate Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-west.

See the Full Report

For pets — and their parents — who are outdoor enthusiasts, the Western U.S. is a great place to visit or live. But dogs and cats who spend a lot of time outside in this region run the risk of being infected by parasites like ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes that transmit heartworm disease. Even indoor pets are at risk. Read about recent parasite trends in the Western states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Heartworm Hazards for Pets

Regional Tick Threats to Know

Flea Dangers in Your Area

Take Steps to Protect Your Pet

Stock up on broad-spectrum solutions that help guard against parasites.**

Simparica TRIO™
Preventatives

Simparica TRIO™
(sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets)

Interceptor® Plus
Preventatives

Interceptor® Plus
(milbemycin oxime/praziquantel)

**Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.

Prevention

8 Reasons to Protect Your Pet From Outdoor Pests*

These pests may be small, but they can pose significant dangers to your pet. Find out why protection is essential.

Prevention Infographic

* Pendergrass, JoAnna. “10 Dangers of Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes.” GreatPetCare. January 2024.
Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/dangers-of-fleas-ticks-and-mosquitoes/

Stop Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Heartworms are no match for these top brands.**

HEARTGARD® Plus
Preventatives

HEARTGARD® Plus
(ivermectin/pyrantel)

Interceptor® Plus
Preventatives

Interceptor® Plus
(milbemycin oxime/praziquantel)

Preventing Parasites

Fend Off Fleas and Ticks

Shop year-round protection for your canine companion.**

NexGard®
Preventatives

NexGard®
(afoxolaner) Chewables

Credelio™
Preventatives

Credelio™ (lotilaner)

QUICK Quick tip TIP

Set Reminder

Is remembering to give your pet their monthly flea, tick, and heartworm medication a struggle? Use GreatPetCare's medication reminders to stay on track!

Set Reminder

** Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.

Signs

Top 9 Backyard Dangers For Pets*

A big backyard is like a paradise for pets – but even well-maintained outdoor spaces can pose risks.

Signs Infographic

* Sunkara, Lavanya. “9 Surprising Dog Dangers in Your Own Backyard.” GreatPetCare. April 2023.
Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/9-backyard-dangers-for-dogs-you-should-know-about/

Understanding the Signs

Treatment

A negative heartworm test is required before your pet can start on a monthly heartworm preventative. Veterinarians recommend testing on an annual basis.*

Book Appointment

Parasite Prevention:
7 Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian

  1. 1
    Is my pet at risk of getting a parasitic disease?
  2. 2
    What parasites are common in my area?
  3. 3
    What type of protection is right for my pet?
  4. 4
    How do monthly parasite control products work?
  5. 5
    Does my pet need any tests before starting a heartworm preventative?
  6. 6
    What happens if my pet misses a dose?
  7. 7
    What are other ways I can protect my pet?
Download Download

Treating Flea and Ticks

* Elfenbein, Hanie. "Heartworm Testing for Dogs: Why It's Important." GreatPetCare. November 2023.
Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/heartworm-testing-for-dogs/

Products

One and Done!

Just one monthly dose protects against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease.*

Simparica TRIO™
Preventatives

Simparica TRIO™
(sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets)

NexGard® Plus
Preventatives

NexGard® Plus
(afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets)

Heartworm Protection You Can Count On

Don't put your dog at risk – support them with monthly heartworm defense.*

HEARTGARD® Plus
Preventatives

HEARTGARD® Plus
(ivermectin/pyrantel)

Interceptor® Plus
Preventatives

Interceptor® Plus
(milbemycin oxime/praziquantel)

Tick-Borne Diseases, Be Gone!

Shop medications that kill ticks and fleas and help prevent infestations.*

Credelio™
Preventatives

Credelio™ (lotilaner)

Covetrus® ParaMonthly Plus for Dogs
Preventatives

Covetrus® ParaMonthly Plus for Dogs (Fipronil and s-Methoprene)

* Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.

See the Risks in Your Region*

Northeast
South
Midwest
West
Northeast map
High Risk
Icon Dog Tick Dog Tick
Icon Blacklegged (Deer) Tick Blacklegged
(Deer) Tick
Moderate Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution. html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-northeast/.

See the Full Report

People and pets living in the Northeastern U.S. enjoy the changing seasons and a variety of outdoor activities. But heavily wooded areas, high populations of deer and wild animals, and the prevalence of lakes and rivers all provide a habitat for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to thrive. Learn more about parasite risks in the Northeastern states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

South map
High Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas
Moderate Risk
Icon Gulf Coast Tick Gulf Coast Tick

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-south/.

See the Full Report

In the Southern United States, there is no real “off season” for fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes. In fact, the South has the highest incidence of heartworm disease in the country due to the region's warm, humid climate, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes. Dogs and cats living in Southern states should be on year-round parasite preventatives. Learn how to protect pets in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Midwest map
High Risk
Icon Dog Tick Dog Tick
Icon Blacklegged (Deer) Tick Blacklegged
(Deer) Tick
Moderate Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-midwest/.

See the Full Report

The Midwest is home to the sprawling plains, the shores of the Great Lakes, and the foothills of the Ozark and Appalachian Mountains. While the region's harsh winters have historically kept parasite activity lower than other parts of the country, warming temperatures are giving way to longer flea, tick, and heartworm seasons. Use this guide to understand pet parasite risks in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

West map
High Risk
Icon Blacklegged Tick (Western) Blacklegged
Tick (Western)
Icon Rocky Mountain Wood Tick Rocky Mountain
Wood Tick
Moderate Risk
Icon Heartworm Heartworm
Icon Fleas Fleas

* Information accessed online March 1, 2024 from https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html and https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/pet-parasites-in-the-west.

See the Full Report

For pets — and their parents — who are outdoor enthusiasts, the Western U.S. is a great place to visit or live. But dogs and cats who spend a lot of time outside in this region run the risk of being infected by parasites like ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes that transmit heartworm disease. Even indoor pets are at risk. Read about recent parasite trends in the Western states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Heartworm Hazards for Pets

Regional Tick Threats to Know

Flea Dangers in Your Area

Take Steps to Protect Your Pet

Stock up on broad-spectrum solutions that help guard against parasites.**

Revolution® Plus
Preventatives

Revolution® Plus
(selamectin and sarolaner topical solution)

NexGard® Combo
Preventatives

NexGard® Combo
(esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution)

**Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.

Prevention

8 Reasons to Protect Your Pet From Outdoor Pests*

These pests may be small, but they can pose significant dangers to your pet. Find out why protection is essential.

Prevention Infographic

* Pendergrass, JoAnna. “10 Dangers of Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes.” GreatPetCare. January 2024.
Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/dangers-of-fleas-ticks-and-mosquitoes/

Feline Heartworm Solutions

Cats need protection, too! Shop name-brand favorites.**

Revolution® Plus
Preventatives

Revolution® Plus
(selamectin and sarolaner topical solution)

Advantage® Multi for Cats
Preventatives

Advantage® Multi for Cats (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution

Preventing Parasites

Fend Off Fleas and Ticks

Help safeguard your cat from discomfort and health risks associated with parasites.**

Seresto® Cat
Preventatives

Seresto® Cat
(imidacloprid, flumethrin)

Covetrus® ParaMonthly Plus for Cats
Preventatives

Covetrus® ParaMonthly Plus for Cats (Fipronil, s-Methoprene)

QUICK Quick tip TIP

Set Reminder

Is remembering to give your pet their monthly flea, tick, and heartworm medication a struggle? Use GreatPetCare's medication reminders to stay on track!

Set Reminder

** Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.

Signs

Understanding the Signs

Treatment

A negative heartworm test is required before your pet can start on a monthly heartworm preventative. Veterinarians recommend testing on an annual basis.*

Book Appointment

Parasite Prevention:
7 Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian

  1. 1
    Is my pet at risk of getting a parasitic disease?
  2. 2
    What parasites are common in my area?
  3. 3
    What type of protection is right for my pet?
  4. 4
    How do monthly parasite control products work?
  5. 5
    Does my pet need any tests before starting a heartworm preventative?
  6. 6
    What happens if my pet misses a dose?
  7. 7
    What are other ways I can protect my pet?
Download Download

Treating Flea and Ticks

* Elfenbein, Hanie. "Heartworm Testing for Dogs: Why It's Important." GreatPetCare. November 2023.
Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/parasites/heartworm-testing-for-dogs/

Products

Broad-Spectrum Parasite Protection

Combination products designed to keep cats protected from parasites.*

Revolution® Plus
Preventatives

Revolution® Plus
(selamectin and sarolaner topical solution)

Advantage® Multi for Cats
Preventatives

Advantage® Multi for Cats
(imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution

Heartworm Protection You Can Count On

Shop reliable heartworm prevention for your feline friend.*

NexGard® Combo
Preventatives

NexGard® Combo
(esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution)

Bravecto®
Preventatives

Bravecto® (fluralaner) Topical Solution

Fight Off Fleas and Ticks

Discover monthly parasite protection your cat will purr about!*

Credelio™ Cat
Preventatives

Credelio™ Cat
(lotilaner)

Seresto® Cat
Preventatives

Seresto® Cat
(imidacloprid, flumethrin)

* Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.

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