Winter may still have a firm grip on Richmond, TX, but that doesn’t mean your pet is safe from parasites. Many pet owners assume that fleas, ticks, and heartworms disappear in colder months, but in Texas, where temperatures can fluctuate, these threats remain active. Late-winter is the perfect time to get ahead of parasite prevention before spring arrives.

Can Fleas and Ticks Survive in Cold Weather?

Fleas and ticks are resilient pests that don’t just vanish when temperatures drop. While extreme cold can slow their activity, Texas rarely gets cold enough to eliminate them entirely. Fleas can survive on warm-blooded hosts indoors, and tick species like the Lone Star tick remain active even in chilly conditions. If your pet spends time outdoors, especially in areas with tall grass or wooded spaces, they are still at risk.

What you can do:

• Continue using flea and tick preventatives year-round.
• Regularly wash pet bedding and vacuum carpets to eliminate eggs and larvae.
• Check your pet’s coat after outdoor adventures, even during winter.

Learn more about flea and tick prevention from the ASPCA.

Embrace Veterinary Care offers diagnostic services, including lab testing and imaging, to detect infections, organ function issues, and other health concerns. If your pet has persistent itching, lethargy, or skin problems, our diagnostics can help determine the cause and the best treatment plan.

Heartworm Risk: Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, and while mosquito activity is lower in winter, it never truly disappears in Texas. Since heartworms take months to develop, skipping prevention during winter leaves pets vulnerable in spring and summer. According to the American Heartworm Society, even a few missed doses of preventative medication can put pets at risk of infection, leading to severe heart and lung damage.

How to protect your pet:

• Keep pets on a veterinarian-approved heartworm prevention plan all year.
• Eliminate standing water in yards to reduce mosquito breeding areas.
• Schedule annual heartworm testing, even if your pet is on prevention.

Embrace Veterinary Care provides wellness and preventive care to help protect pets from heartworms and other parasite-related conditions. If your pet hasn’t been tested for heartworm recently, book an appointment with us today.

Early Prevention Saves Money and Stress

Treating flea infestations, tick-borne diseases, or heartworm infections is far more expensive—and dangerous—than preventing them. Heartworm treatment can cost over $1,000 and put pets through months of restricted activity, while flea and tick infestations can lead to skin infections, allergies, and even Lyme disease. By staying consistent with preventatives, you save money and spare your pet from discomfort and health risks.

Simple steps to prevent costly treatments:

• Keep up with monthly parasite preventatives, even in winter.
• Schedule a check-up at Embrace Veterinary Care to assess your pet’s risk level.
• Watch for signs of scratching, lethargy, or weight loss that may indicate parasite problems.

Learn more about how parasites affect pets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Are Natural Remedies Enough?

Many pet owners look for natural alternatives to chemical preventatives. While some natural options, like diatomaceous earth or essential oils, can help repel pests, they are not a reliable substitute for veterinary-approved medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that tick bites can transmit diseases within 24 hours, and heartworm disease has no natural cure. If you’re considering natural options, consult a veterinarian to ensure your pet stays protected.

Best approach for parasite prevention:

• Use veterinarian-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.
• Complement with pet-safe natural repellents for extra protection.
• Stay informed about parasite risks in Texas throughout the year.

Read more about tick-borne diseases from the CDC.

Keeping up with parasite prevention is one of the easiest ways to protect your pet’s health. Whether you live in Richmond, TX, or nearby areas like Harvest Green, Aliana, Mission Bend, Sugar Land, or Four Corners, Embrace Veterinary Care is here to help.

Our wellness and preventive care services include heartworm testing, flea and tick prevention, and personalized treatment plans tailored to your pet’s needs. If your pet needs protection against parasites, schedule an appointment with us today.

Book an appointment now and keep your pet safe from fleas, ticks, and heartworms all year round!