Many pet owners assume mosquitoes disappear when temperatures cool. However, in South Texas, mosquito activity often persists at high levels throughout September and beyond. These pests don’t need extreme heat to thrive, which means the threat of heartworm transmission lingers well into fall. Heartworm disease, spread by infected mosquito bites, can cause lasting damage to a pet’s heart and lungs if left untreated.
Stay Consistent: Why Missing a Dose Isn’t Worth the Risk
We now offer an injection that provides 12 months of protection against heartworms. Prevention is far less costly—and safer—than treating heartworm disease once it develops.
Reminders for staying consistent:
- Set calendar alerts for each monthly dose
- Store medications in a visible spot so you don’t forget
- Ask your veterinarian about auto-refill options to avoid running out
- Pair prevention with routine wellness checks for added peace of mind
Improve Pet Safety with Indoor Mosquito Control
Even pets that spend most of their time indoors are not fully protected. Mosquitoes often find their way inside homes, especially during the cooler months when doors and windows are more frequently open. Reducing indoor mosquito activity adds an extra layer of safety for your pets.
Simple mosquito control measures include:
- Installing and maintaining secure window and door screens
- Using pet-safe mosquito repellents around entryways
- Eliminating standing water both inside and outside the home
- Running fans indoors, since mosquitoes avoid circulating air
Explore Year-Round Protection Plans for Peace of Mind
Heartworm prevention is most effective when it’s a year-round commitment. Skipping doses in the fall or winter creates unnecessary risks, especially in regions where mosquitoes are present year-round. Valley Animal Hospital offers protection plans that ensure your pet receives consistent care every month of the year.
Benefits of year-round prevention include:
- Continuous protection against mosquito-borne infections
- Simplified routines with less risk of forgetting seasonal treatments
- Professional guidance on the best prevention method for your pet
- Long-term cost savings by avoiding expensive treatment for advanced disease
Protect Your Pet This Fall and Beyond
Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition. As mosquitoes remain active well into fall, consistent prevention and smart home practices are the best ways to protect your pet’s health. By committing to a year-round plan with support from Valley Animal Hospital, pet owners near McAllen can enjoy peace of mind knowing their companions are safe from this seasonal threat.
