Why Preventing Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm in Pets Protects Your Whole Family

Why Preventing Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm in Pets Protects Your Whole Family

By Dr. Lohit Busanelli, Main Street Markham Animal Clinic

Spring in Markham means longer walks, greener parks—and unfortunately, more parasites. As a veterinarian, I see firsthand how fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are not just seasonal nuisances but serious health risks to both pets and humans.

Parasites Don’t Stop at Your Pet

Fleas can infest your home within weeks, while ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis—all of which are zoonotic or vector-borne threats to people too. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, cases of Lyme disease in humans have increased dramatically in Ontario over the past decade, largely due to the spread of infected black-legged ticks.¹

Heartworm, spread by mosquito bites, can cause irreversible damage to the lungs and heart of dogs and cats—and mosquitoes don’t discriminate between species when they bite.²

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more than just irritants—they’re vectors for disease, and they don’t stop with your pets. These parasites are known carriers of serious illnesses that affect both animals and people, particularly young children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.¹

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis to humans—all of which are now endemic in parts of Ontario, including the Markham area.² These infections can lead to fever, joint pain, fatigue, and long-term complications if not caught early.³

Fleas are responsible for transmitting cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae), especially in children, along with tapeworms and even flea-borne typhus.⁴ A single untreated flea infestation on a pet can quickly become a home-wide problem.

Mosquitoes aren’t just responsible for heartworm disease in pets—they also carry West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika virus, all of which can affect humans with potentially severe consequences.⁵

When your pets are protected, you're reducing the risk of these diseases spreading to your loved ones through your home environment.

🌍 Prevention Protects the Whole Pack

Using veterinarian-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm preventives can reduce not only your pet’s risk of illness but also prevent infestations in your home and yard.⁴ Monthly parasite prevention creates a buffer between your loved ones and disease vectors.

Pets are family, and keeping them parasite-free ensures they don’t become silent carriers of disease or sources of discomfort. A single untreated dog with fleas can expose the entire household to bites, allergic dermatitis, and tapeworms.⁵

🔬4Dx Test: Know Before You Protect

A 4Dx test is a quick blood test that screens dogs for Heartworm, Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis. This screening helps us ensure your pet is starting on prevention safely and with full knowledge of their health status.

📅 Spring into Action

Now is the best time to get ahead of the parasite season. Prevention is easier and more affordable than treatment—and it protects the health of every member of your household, human and furry alike.

📞 Call us at 905-471-1536 or book online at mainstvets.ca/bookonline to schedule your screening and stock up on prevention today.

Let’s work together to protect your pet—and your family—this season.

— Dr. Lohit, DVM

Main Street Markham Animal Clinic