Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm

Living in paradise has its perks—beautiful beaches, turquoise seas, and endless sunshine. But for our furry friends, the tropics also come with a trio of tiny terrors: fleas, ticks, and heartworms. These little pests don’t just make your pet itchy or uncomfortable—they can be downright dangerous. Here’s what every island pet parent should know to keep their furry friends healthy and safe.

Fleas – The Itchy Invaders

Fleas thrive in warm, humid climates (aka, the BVI’s daily weather report). Once on your pet, they bite, breed, and bring a whole circus of misery. One flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day—so by the time you notice scratching, it might already be a flea fiesta.

Prevention tip: Use monthly flea preventatives year-round. Whether it’s a topical treatment, chewable tablet, or flea collar—consistency is key.

Ticks – The Sneaky Suckers

Ticks are tiny vampires lurking in tall grass, bushy paths, and even your backyard. They latch on, feed on blood, and can transmit serious diseases—most notoriously Tick Fever (also called Ehrlichiosis). It’s especially common in the BVI and can cause fever, weakness, weight loss, and even organ failure if not caught in time.

Prevention tip: Check your pet after walks, especially around ears, neck, and between toes. Use tick preventatives (most flea meds include tick protection too), and keep your yard trimmed and tidy.

Heartworm – The Silent Killer

Heartworm is spread by—you guessed it—mosquitoes. Just one bite from an infected mosquito can start a slow, silent attack on your dog’s heart and lungs. It’s often fatal if left untreated.

Prevention tip: Monthly heartworm medication is non-negotiable. It’s available as a chewable treat and protects not just against heartworms but some intestinal parasites too. Bonus!

Treating flea infestations? A nightmare. Removing ticks? Risky and unpleasant. Treating heartworm? Expensive, dangerous, and requires months of strict rest.

Prevention is cheaper, easier, and way less stressful. Trust us—your pet will thank you with a wag or a purr.

Talk to your vet to find the best parasite prevention combo for your pet’s size, age, and health. Here at the BVI Humane Society, we do our best to protect all animals in our care—and we encourage all pet owners to do the same.

Simparica Trio is the first and only product that combines sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel in each treatment to help prevent heartworm disease, ticks, fleas, roundworms and hookworms.