The Truth About Year-Round Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Meds

You’re staring at another $200 vet bill and wondering if skipping a month of flea, tick, or heartworm meds will really matter.Your dog barely goes outside. Your cat’s never seen a flea. And those preventatives are not cheap.But what if that one skipped dose turns into a $3,000 emergency—or worse?In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to cut through the fear, guilt, and confusing pet care advice about parasite prevention. We’re talking flea meds, tick risks, heartworm horror stories, and how to protect your pets without flushing your money down the drain.If you’ve ever asked, “Do I really need to do this year-round?”, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND OUT: • When skipping a dose is no big deal, and when it could be deadly • How your pet’s lifestyle, your location, and even your backyard shape real parasite risks • How to protect your pet and your wallet without falling for fear-based sales tactics or bad advice from well-meaning friendsBecause no one wants to be the pet parent who tries to save $15 on pet care and ends up with a $3,000 regret.CONNECT WITH DR. LINDA ATKINS Valley Cottage Animal Hospital, Valley Cottage, NYOTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • Companion Animal Parasite Council – https://www.petsandparasites.org/ • American Heartworm Society – https://www.heartwormsociety.org/Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.Support the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵SpotifyEach week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats.From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions.No fluff, no guilt, just practical help so you can enjoy your pets and your life again.Contact: [email protected]©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro