This week’s fluctuating temperatures may suggest otherwise, but according to Dr. Preston Russell, DVM, veterinarian at Comer Veterinary Hospital, northeast Georgia is about to be inundated with its annual influx of fleas and ticks.

Comer Vet has offered ProHeart 12, a yearly injection that prevents against heartworm disease, since 2023. Bravecto Quantum, an annual shot that prevents fleas and ticks, released in July and has been available at Comer Vet since late August.

At this time, there are no safe mosquito repellants approved for use on pets, which is why a combination of environmental control and heartworm preventatives is a top way to reduce pets’ risk of contracting the parasite.