Cooler mornings and crisp autumn air often feel like a welcome break from summer’s heat — but for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, the season is far from over. Many pet parents assume parasite risks fade when temperatures drop, yet in St. Peters and surrounding areas like Cottleville, St. Charles, and O’Fallon, these pests can remain active well into the fall. Protecting your dog or cat now is key to keeping them safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Parasite-related emergencies, such as severe allergic reactions to flea bites or tick-borne illness symptoms, require immediate attention. At Pet Urgent Care of St. Peters Emergency and Urgent Care, our skilled team is ready to provide prompt, compassionate care to pets from St. Peters and nearby communities.
1. Why Fall Still Poses a Parasite Risk
While summer is peak season for fleas and ticks, mild autumn days can keep these parasites thriving. In fact, heartworms, transmitted by mosquitoes, can be a threat until the first hard frost — and in Missouri, that may not happen until late in the year.
Skipping prevention during this transitional season can lead to:
- Flea infestations that quickly spread in your home.
- Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.
- Heartworm disease, which can be life-threatening and costly to treat.
For more information on parasite risks, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association.
2. Fleas: Persistent and Hard to Eliminate
Fleas thrive in shady outdoor areas and can hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or your pet’s fur. Once inside, they reproduce rapidly, making infestations difficult to control without consistent prevention.
Signs of a flea problem in pets include:
- Excessive scratching or biting at the skin.
- Red, irritated patches.
- Black “flea dirt” in the coat.
Tip: Prevention is far more effective — and less expensive — than battling a full-blown infestation.
3. Ticks: Small Pest, Serious Health Threat
Ticks remain active until temperatures consistently drop below freezing. Even in the fall, wooded areas, tall grasses, and piles of leaves can harbor these pests.
Tick-borne diseases to watch for:
- Lyme disease.
- Ehrlichiosis.
- Anaplasmosis.
After any outdoor adventure, check your pet thoroughly, paying close attention to the ears, under the collar, between toes, and along the tail. For more details on tick-borne illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
4. Heartworms: Invisible but Dangerous
Unlike fleas and ticks, heartworms are not visible until the disease is advanced — and by then, damage to the heart and lungs may already be severe. Spread by mosquito bites, heartworms can still infect pets during warm fall days.
Key facts about heartworms:
- They can affect both dogs and cats.
- Symptoms may include coughing, fatigue, and weight loss.
- Treatment is lengthy, costly, and not always possible for cats.
Learn more at the American Heartworm Society.
5. Fall Prevention Tips for Pet Owners in St. Peters
Ongoing prevention is the most effective way to protect your pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Here’s what veterinarians at Pet Urgent Care of St. Peters recommend:
- Continue year-round preventives for all three parasites.
- Perform regular at-home checks after outdoor activities.
- Keep your yard maintained — trim grass, clear leaves, and remove debris.
- Schedule a veterinary exam if you notice unusual scratching, lethargy, or weight loss.
Whether you need a quick refill on parasite prevention or a same-day check for a possible flea or tick bite, our walk-in-friendly clinic in St. Peters is here to help. We welcome pets from St. Charles, Cottleville, and surrounding areas with prompt care and personalized recommendations. Contact us today to learn more or visit us for immediate assistance.