Springtime Parasite Prevention for Pets & Livestock

Springtime Parasite Prevention for Pets & Livestock: What Every Owner Needs to Know

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, so do the risks for parasites. Spring marks the beginning of peak season for fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and other parasites that can affect both pets and livestock. Whether you have a dog curled up on the porch, horses in the pasture, or a herd of cattle to manage, it’s time to focus on prevention.

At Lewiston Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help you keep your animals healthy and protected this spring—and year-round. Let’s walk through what you need to know.

Why Do Parasites Surge in the Spring?

Parasite populations thrive in warmer, wetter environments. As spring arrives, the ground warms up, moisture levels increase, and the lifecycle of many parasites accelerates. This includes:

Fleas and ticks becoming more active outdoors
Mosquitoes returning and bringing heartworm risk
Worm larvae in pastures increasing, particularly for grazing livestock

The risk? Without early action, animals can quickly become infected—and those infections can cause serious health problems or reduce productivity in livestock.

Pets: Common Spring Parasites & How to Prevent Them

What Parasites Are Most Common in Spring for Dogs and Cats?

Fleas: Cause itching, skin infections, and transmit tapeworms
Ticks: Transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and more
Heartworms: Spread by mosquitoes, these can lead to life-threatening heart and lung disease
Intestinal Worms: Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are common, especially in outdoor pets
(Learn more from AVMA)

Did you know? Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions in pets, and just a few bites can cause intense itching.

How Do Pets Become Infected?

Fleas and ticks picked up during walks or outdoor play
Contact with contaminated soil, feces, or infected animals
Fleas ingested while grooming (tapeworms)

What Are the Signs of a Parasite Problem in Pets?

Scratching, hair loss, skin irritation
Diarrhea or vomiting
Lethargy, coughing, or weight loss
Visible worms in stool or around the anus
Scooting or bloated abdomen

Prevention Tips for Dogs and Cats

Use monthly parasite preventives — available in oral, topical, or collar forms
Schedule annual fecal exams and heartworm tests
Inspect pets after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas

For a deeper dive into prevention benefits, read The Importance of Year-Round Parasite Prevention for Pets – AAHA

Track Heartworm Risk in Your Area

Check your region’s parasite activity using the CAPC Heartworm Prevalence Map.
For heartworm basics, visit the American Heartworm Society

Learn more about our wellness care services for year-round parasite protection.

Livestock: Managing Internal and External Parasites

What Parasites Should Livestock Owners Watch For?

Cattle:

Ostertagia (brown stomach worm)
Cooperia, coccidia, lice, flies

Sheep & Goats:

Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm)
Strongyles, coccidia

Horses:

Small and large strongyles
Tapeworms
Bots

“Parasitic worms, especially Haemonchus, can cause anemia, weight loss, and even death in small ruminants if not controlled.”
Oklahoma State University Extension

How Do Livestock Pick Up Parasites in Spring?

Grazing on pastures contaminated by parasite eggs or larvae
Warm, wet conditions that promote larval development
High stocking densities and poor pasture rotation

Symptoms of Parasite Infections in Livestock

Weight loss, poor appetite, diarrhea
Bottle jaw (fluid buildup under the jaw)
Anemia (pale mucous membranes)
Dull coat, poor growth

How to Prevent Parasites in Livestock

Fecal egg count (FEC) testing to guide targeted deworming
(How-to Guide from Wisconsin Extension)
Strategic deworming to slow drug resistance
Rotational grazing to reduce pasture contamination
(Pasture Management Tips)
Fly and lice control through pour-ons, sprays, or insect growth regulators
Regular veterinary evaluation to adjust deworming protocols

Learn more about our bovine and equine care services to support parasite management year-round.

Springtime Parasite Prevention Checklist

Dogs and Cats

Use flea, tick, and heartworm preventives
Schedule a spring check-up with fecal exam and heartworm testing
Clean up pet waste promptly
Check for ticks after walks or hikes

Livestock

Perform fecal egg counts before deworming
Rotate pastures regularly
Monitor animals for signs of anemia or weight loss
Implement external parasite control as needed
Maintain clean, dry living conditions

When to Call the Vet

If you notice:

Sudden weight loss
Persistent diarrhea or coughing
Pale gums or swelling under the jaw
Live parasites or abnormal stool

Don’t wait — early diagnosis means faster recovery and reduced risk to the rest of your herd or household.

We’re Here to Help: Customized Care at Lewiston Veterinary Clinic

Spring is a perfect time to get ahead of parasite problems. At Lewiston Veterinary Clinic, we offer comprehensive care for pets, livestock, equine, and even exotic species, with services tailored to the needs of each species and farm.

From wellness exams and fecal testing to surgical treatment of complications and ongoing herd health planning, we’re your partner in parasite prevention.

Let’s work together to protect your animals this season.
Visit our contact page to schedule your appointment today.

Parasites might be tiny, but the problems they cause are anything but. With the right strategy, you can prevent infestations before they start — and ensure a healthy, productive season for every animal in your care.