Fleas, ticks and leishmaniasis: the prevention calendar

With mild temperatures external parasites become active again, and with them the diseases they carry: from piroplasmosis to leishmaniasis, increasingly common even in northern Italy. Prevention must start BEFORE the risk season, not when the problem is already visible.

Product choice depends on species, weight, lifestyle and geographic area: spot-ons, collars and tablets differ in coverage and duration, and what suits a dog can be toxic for a cat (never use permethrin on felines!).

A common mistake: stopping prophylaxis in winter. Many parasites survive year-round in heated homes, and ticks activate above 7 degrees. Build the calendar with your vet and stick to it consistently.

Finally, remember the manual check after every countryside walk: running your hands against the fur on neck, ears and armpits takes a minute and lets you remove ticks before they transmit pathogens.