Why Flea, Tick and Worm Protection Matters This March
- 16 minutes ago
- 4 min read
As we move into the second week of March, the days are getting lighter, temperatures are rising, and pets are spending more time outdoors. But while spring is slowly arriving, so are parasites.
Fleas, ticks and worms are a risk all year round but early spring is when activity begins to increase.
Acting now, before infestations take hold, is one of the best ways to protect your pet (and your home) in the months ahead.
In this blog, we explain why March is such an important time for parasite prevention, the risks these pests pose, and how to stay ahead with effective, vet-recommended protection.
Contents
Why Parasite Risk Increases in Early Spring
As temperatures consistently rise above 5–7°C, flea eggs laid during winter begin to hatch. Ticks emerge from dormancy and become active in grassland, parks and woodland areas. Wildlife becomes more active, and pets spend longer outdoors, creating ideal conditions for parasites to spread.
March is the perfect time to restart or stay consistent with parasite prevention before populations surge.
Fleas: Small but Persistent
Fleas are more than an itchy nuisance. They reproduce quickly and can spread throughout your home before you even realise there’s a problem.
Flea risks include:
Intense itching and skin irritation
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
Anaemia in young or elderly pets
Tapeworm transmission
Home infestations — eggs can survive in carpets and soft furnishings for months
Even indoor-only pets can pick up fleas via visitors, clothing or other animals.
Ticks: A Growing Spring Threat
Ticks become active from early spring and are commonly found in long grass, woodland, parks and even gardens. Once attached, they feed on blood and can transmit serious diseases.
Tick risks include:
Lyme disease (affects pets and humans)
Babesiosis and anaplasmosis (emerging concerns in the UK)
Painful local reactions and infections
Ticks are often difficult to spot, especially in long-haired pets, which is why prevention is so important during spring and summer.
Worms: The Hidden Risk — Especially Lungworm
Unlike fleas and ticks, worms aren’t strictly seasonal but the risk of exposure often increases as pets spend more time outside.
Common UK worms include:
Roundworms and hookworms
Tapeworms (often transmitted by fleas)
Lungworm
Why Lungworm Is a Spring Concern
Lungworm is a serious parasite affecting dogs and is spread by slugs and snails, which become much more active in mild, damp spring weather.
If your dog eats grass, they may be at higher risk. Lungworm larvae can be left behind in the slime trails of slugs and snails, meaning dogs don’t need to eat a slug directly to become infected. Simply ingesting contaminated grass, chewing toys left in the garden, or drinking from puddles can be enough.
Symptoms of lungworm may include:
Coughing
Breathing difficulties
Lethargy
Bleeding problems
Vomiting
In severe cases, sudden collapse
One of the most serious risks of lungworm infection is abnormal bleeding. The parasite can interfere with normal clotting, which becomes particularly concerning if a dog requires surgery.
For this reason, dogs not receiving routine lungworm prevention should consider having a lungworm blood test prior to any surgical procedure, due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.
We recommend that any dog undergoing surgery receives a lungworm treatment at least 30 days before their procedure, where possible, to reduce this risk, or has a blood test prior to surgery to detect lungworm.
Because lungworm can be life-threatening and not all worming products cover it, it’s essential to use a vet-recommended product that specifically includes lungworm protection.
Why Stopping Treatment Over Winter Can Cause Problems
It’s a common misconception that parasite treatments can stop during colder months. However:
Fleas can survive indoors all year round
Some ticks remain active during mild winters
Eggs laid over winter hatch as temperatures rise
A gap in protection allows parasites to establish themselves, making infestations harder and more costly to control later.
Year-round, consistent prevention is always the safest approach.
How to Protect Your Pet This Spring
The key to parasite control is consistency and using the right product for your pet’s size, lifestyle and risk level.
Effective prevention includes:
Monthly flea and tick treatments (spot-on or tablets)
Regular worming (every 1–3 months depending on risk)
Lungworm-specific prevention for dogs
Checking for ticks after walks
Washing bedding and vacuuming during high-risk seasons
Keeping gardens tidy to reduce tick habitats
At Roundwood Vets, we can tailor a parasite protection plan specifically for your pet, with reminders and convenient options to make staying protected simple.
Why Vet-Recommended Products Matter
Not all flea, tick and worm treatments are equal. Supermarket or pet shop products may offer limited protection, shorter duration, or be unsuitable for your pet.
Vet-recommended products:
Provide broader coverage (including lungworm and ticks)
Are correctly dosed for your pet’s weight and health
Undergo strict safety and effectiveness testing
Reduce the risk of treatment failure
We’re always happy to guide you through your options and create a plan that keeps your pet protected season after season.
Final Thoughts
As March progresses and spring activity increases, fleas, ticks and worms are becoming more active too. The best defence is consistent, vet-recommended prevention, before problems start.
📞 Need to review your pet’s parasite protection? Contact Roundwood Vets today, we’ll help you build a plan that keeps your pet safe, your home pest-free, and your spring worry-free. 🌷🐾
Protecting your pet from fleas, ticks and worms doesn’t have to be complicated. With Roundwood Vets’ Vital Pet Club, year-round parasite care is included, giving you consistent, vet-recommended protection without the hassle of remembering individual treatments.
It’s a simple monthly plan designed to keep your pet protected in every season, while making budgeting easier for you.
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