When the beautiful days settled, nothing beats the pleasure of sharing rural walks, naps in the sun or family vacation with your dog. Only here: summer also brings its share of invisible threats. For senior dogs, seasonal parasites are more than simple inconvenience: they can put the health – and sometimes the life – of our in dangers. In 2025, faced with new challenges related to the climate and the arrival of exotic parasites, it is essential to learn to avoid traps and adopt tailor-made prevention. Ready to offer your old dog a serene summer? Here is how to thwart the tiny, but formidable enemies.
Summer parasites do not spare old dogs: What really changes with age
With age, the immune system of our companions is flexing: their natural resistance to infections decreases. Reactions to bites or infestations are no longer the same. A senior dog fights more difficult against a parasitic disease, and recovers less quickly in the face of complications. In addition, certain treatments or vaccines become less effective, forcing to strengthen prevention gestures.
The top 3 summer threats to monitor ? Three parasites stand out:
- Leishmaniasis : severe disease transmitted by phlebotome, more and more common outside the south, and sometimes fatal without rapid care.
- La Filariase Cardiaque : “heartworms” transmitted by mosquitoes, which slyly settle in the blood and can cause coughing, breathlessness and great fatigue.
- The Augustats : These small orange mites cause violent itching and, in fragile subjects, serious infections.
What signs should alert? An elderly dog who becomes shot down, abandons his bowl, cough, box without reason, scratches intensely or present crusts or pimples: as many signals to quickly consult a veterinarian. The earlier the reaction, the more the sequelae is limited and avoids long or invasive treatments.
New risks in 2025: Alert on expanding parasites
The dangers’ map evolves quickly. Global warming upsets the calendar of parasites : Phlebotomes present earlier in the year, mosquitoes active until late in autumn and visible Augustats from June to March. Certain regions hitherto spared (Brittany, Pays de la Loire) now have seen leishmaniasis or filariasis appear.
Another worrying novelty: the arrival of exotic species. We observe a discreet breakthrough of tropical or mosquito ticks from Africa or Asia, capable of transmitting unprecedented diseases with us. These newcomers make prevention more complex and require being particularly vigilant when traveling, even within France.
Finally, the resistance of certain parasites with conventional treatments raises concerns. The repeated use of identical antiparasiticas favors indeed the selection of resistant strains. Treated dogs will still fall ill if the protection strategy is not regularly adapted.
Intelligent prevention: Gestures and tools to adopt for a carefree holidays
To offer a quiet summer to a senior dog, it is now necessary to combine old reflexes and new solutions. Prevention begins with simple gestures:
- Inspect the coat and the skin After each walk (ears, folds, below the tail).
- Brush and shower your dog regularly, especially after walks in high herbs.
- Limit access to areas where mosquitoes and Augustats proliferate (stagnant ponds, shaded shaded lawns, exit hours at dawn or twilight).
- Maintain the environment: regular mowing, layout of beds and use of validated natural repellents.
In 2025, veterinary protocols evolve : Leishmaniasis vaccination has been simplified (a recall injection per year), new antiparasitaires combine prolonged protection and practical administration methods (chewing tablets, effective pipettes for several weeks). For filariaosis, seasonal dewormers remain essential, in combination with specific anti-mosquitoes.
The “natural” remedies have not demonstrated their effectiveness! We are not satisfied with a necklace or a pipette: only suitable veterinary treatments guarantee real safety. Ask for advice to choose the right form and duration, especially if your dog has health problems or already takes other medicines.
What are the gestures to remember to react quickly? Veterinarians recommend:
- Observe your dog’s behavior: fatigue, loss of appetite, cough or abnormal itching are signals never to neglect.
- Start treatments from the first signswithout waiting for the situation to get complicated.
- Make a regular point with the veterinarian, especially during the annual assessment, in order to adapt prevention to age and to the general state.
By adopting these habits, a reality is essential for the summer of 2025: summer parasites (leishmaniasis, filariosis, Augustats, etc.) are now present all year round in many regionsand prevention must be continuous, intelligent and personalized. Protocols are changing, but vigilance remains the best ally of your dog’s health.
Because the health of a senior dog deserves constant attention, adopting a complete preventive strategy allows you to take advantage of each moment without fear of the slightest parasite. The protection of our faithful elderly companions requires increased vigilance – are you ready to put the odds on your side?
