Flea and Tick Prevention in Lake Mary, FL, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lake Mary is a vet in Lake Mary, FL, that helps dogs and cats stay free of fleas and ticks all year. In Central Florida there is no cold snap long enough to stop them, so the answer is simple: give a preventive every month, on time, for every pet in the home.

Book online, walk in, or call (689) 400-8901.

Do pets in Lake Mary need flea and tick prevention in winter?

Yes. The Lake Mary clinic page lists ticks and fleas as a year-round issue in the Florida climate. Fleas keep breeding inside warm homes, and ticks wait in tall grass and leaf litter even in December. A pet who goes off prevention for the "cool months" often comes back in spring with an itchy flea problem that takes weeks to clear from the house.

Across Petfolk, sick visits that mention fleas or ticks roughly double in summer: about 2.3% of sick visits from June to September, compared with about 1.2% from December to February (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). So the risk peaks in summer, but it never drops to zero.

Which preventive is right for my dog or cat?

That depends on your pet's species, weight, age, health and habits. The main choices are:

• Chews given by mouth once a month. Many dog chews also cover heartworm and some intestinal worms in the same dose.

• Topical drops on the skin, a good fit for cats and for dogs who refuse chews.

• Longer-acting products for some pets, if the vet thinks they fit.

Across Petfolk, 88% of cat parasite-prevention purchases are Revolution Plus, a topical that covers fleas, ticks and more (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). Never use a dog flea product on a cat. Some dog products contain ingredients that can make cats very sick.

How do I check my pet for ticks?

After a walk on the Seminole Wekiva Trail or a romp at Greenwood Lakes Park, run your fingers slowly over your dog's whole body. Ticks like warm, hidden spots:

• inside and behind the ears

• under the collar

• between the toes

• in the armpits and groin

• around the tail

If you find a tick, grasp it close to the skin with fine tweezers and pull straight out with steady pressure. Do not twist, burn or smother it. Clean the spot and watch it for a few days.

Signs of fleas at home

You may not see fleas themselves. Look for:

• black specks ("flea dirt") in the fur that turn red on a wet paper towel

• scratching or chewing at the lower back and tail

• red bumps or scabs, often near the base of the tail

• small bites on people's ankles

Fleas also carry tapeworms, which your pet swallows while grooming. If you see rice-like bits near the tail, see deworming in Lake Mary.

Starting prevention at Petfolk Lake Mary

The vet weighs your pet, checks the skin and coat, and asks about your pet's routine: trails, dog parks, boarding, other pets in the home. Then the team helps you pick a product and dose. Fear Free handling means a gentle visit with treats and patience, and you stay in the room. If your pet is already itchy and sore, the vet treats the skin too. See skin conditions and dermatology in Lake Mary.

A wellness exam at the clinic starts at $99. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. PetfolkCare membership starts at $199 a year and includes wellness exams.

If a bite turns serious

Tick bites can pass on disease. Call the clinic if your dog is limping, off food, or has a fever-like low mood a week or two after a tick bite. Many cats and some small dogs with heavy flea loads can become pale and weak. If a pet is very weak, can't stand, or breathes hard, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital. The nearest one is Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), 1490 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park.

Getting to the clinic

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lake Mary is at 222 Wheelhouse Ln, #1110, Lake Mary, FL 32746, off I-4 near Colonial TownPark. It is open weekends, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (689) 400-8901.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lake Mary, or see all veterinary services in Lake Mary.