Flea & Tick Prevention in Lakewood, Dallas, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood is a vet in Lakewood, East Dallas, that helps you pick flea and tick prevention that is safe for your pet and works in our climate. North Texas stays warm and humid for much of the year, so fleas and ticks have a long season here.

The right product depends on your pet's species, size, age and lifestyle. The vet will help you choose.

Call (682) 339-7822 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

When are fleas and ticks worst in East Dallas?

Summer is the peak, but the season is long. Across Petfolk, sick visits that mention fleas or ticks roughly doubled in summer, from about 1.2% of sick visits in December to February to about 2.3% in June to September (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). Fleas also live happily indoors in carpet and bedding all winter. Ticks wait in tall grass, brush and leaf litter, like the wooded edges of White Rock Lake and the creeks that feed it.

That's why most vets in Texas suggest prevention all year, not only in summer.

How do I know if my pet has fleas?

Fleas are fast and small, so you may not see them. Look for:

• Scratching or biting near the tail and back legs

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

• Scabs or hair loss on the lower back

• Small itchy bites on people at ankle level

Some pets are allergic to flea saliva. One bite can set off days of itching and sore, red skin. If that sounds like your pet, see pet skin conditions and dermatology in Lakewood.

Which flea and tick product is safest for my cat?

Cats need cat-only products. Some dog flea products contain permethrin, which can make cats very sick, even from close contact with a freshly treated dog. Never use a dog product on a cat.

For cats, a monthly topical is common. Across Petfolk, 88% of cat parasite-prevention purchases were Revolution Plus from Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026. Indoor cats still benefit, since fleas ride in on people, dogs and shoes.

Great service I have a not so friendly dog and they took care of him and treat him so well he didn’t even bother to fight back great team keep up the good work

Alejandro A., Google review

What about dogs?

Many dogs do well on a monthly chew that covers fleas, ticks and heartworm in one dose. Others need a topical or a collar. A dog who swims often may need a product that holds up to water. The vet will ask about your dog's routine: lake swims, hikes, daycare and trips to Mockingbird Point Dog Park.

If you'd like one product for everything, ask about combined options. See heartworm prevention in Lakewood.

Clearing a flea problem at home

If your pet already has fleas, prevention alone takes time to win. Most fleas live in the home as eggs and larvae, not on the pet. To break the cycle:

1. Treat every dog and cat in the home, even the ones not scratching.

2. Wash bedding, blankets and throws in hot water.

3. Vacuum floors, rugs and furniture often for a few weeks, and empty the vacuum outside.

4. Keep giving prevention on time for at least three months.

You may still see a few fleas for a few weeks. That is normal as new ones hatch and die.

Costs and a calm visit

You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. A wellness exam starts at $99 and is a good time to set up prevention. The team uses gentle, Fear Free handling for pets who hate being touched near the tail.

When to get help fast

Some ticks can cause sudden weakness. If your pet can't stand, has trouble breathing, or has pale gums after a heavy flea problem, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital. In Lower Greenville, Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) at 4500 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206, is open 24 hours.

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