Protecting Your Pet — Why Parasite Control Matters

Here at Summit Veterinary Care, we believe that exceptional medicine starts with trust. From our fear-free handling techniques to our welcoming amenities, we’ve built our Bristow practice around the idea that veterinary care should be as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

Parasites — fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms — aren’t just an annoyance. They can cause real health problems for dogs (and cats), sometimes serious: skin problems, allergic reactions, tick‑borne diseases, internal organ damage from heartworms, intestinal worms that affect digestion and more. That’s why regular, year‑round parasite prevention is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner.

At Summit Veterinary Care, our goal is to help you pick the parasite‑control plan that best fits your pet’s lifestyle, health history, and risk — not just the “one‑size‑fits‑all.” Below are common options, what they do, and when they make sense.

Common Parasite Control Options: What They Cover

ProHeart 12 (injectable)

ProHeart comes in injectable form, providing long‑acting heartworm prevention.
It covers heartworms, but — importantly — does not prevent fleas or ticks. This is why we recommend pairing Proheart 12 with Bravecto Quantum.
Best for: Owners who want hassle‑free, long‑term heartworm protection with one injection — often a good fit for busy households or if monthly dosing is difficult to maintain.

Bravecto Quantum (injectable)

Bravecto Quantum is a once‑a‑year injectable treatment that provides long‑lasting protection against fleas and several common tick species.
It covers fleas and ticks for up to 12 months, but — importantly — does not prevent heartworm disease or intestinal parasites. That is why we recommend pairing Bravecto Quantum with Proheart 12.
Best for: Owners who want hassle‑free, long‑term flea and tick protection with one injection — often a good fit for busy households or if monthly dosing is difficult to maintain.

Simparica Trio

This is an “all-in-one” monthly chewable that protects against fleas, multiple tick species, heartworm disease, and common intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, and in many cases tapeworms depending on regional labeling).
Because it combines flea/tick, heartworm, and worm protection, Simparica Trio can simplify parasite prevention — one chew a month, rather than juggling multiple medications.
Best for: pups and dogs needing broad protection with minimal effort — especially in areas where fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are all potential threats.

Simparica (single)

This product focuses on fleas and ticks: kills adult fleas and protects against several tick species (including black‑legged, American dog, brown dog, lone star, Gulf Coast ticks, depending on region) when dosed every month.
What it doesn’t cover: heartworm disease or intestinal parasites. Because of that, dogs on Simparica often need a separate heartworm preventive like Proheart 12 or Heartgard.

Bravecto Chewables

Bravecto is a long‑lasting flea and tick protection option. One dose covers up to 12 weeks against fleas and several tick species (black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, Asian longhorned tick).
Against the lone star tick, Bravecto’s protection lasts about 8 weeks.
What it doesn’t cover: heartworms or internal parasites — so if you use Bravecto alone, you’ll need a separate heartworm/deworming plan.
Best for: pets in tick/flea-prone environments whose owners prefer a “fewer doses per year” approach, or pets who are difficult to medicate monthly.

NexGard

NexGard is another monthly chewable that targets fleas and ticks.
Like Simparica and Bravecto, NexGard does not cover heartworm or internal parasites — so pairing with a heartworm preventive is necessary.

Heartgard Plus (or similar heartworm preventives)

Heartgard Plus is a monthly oral medication that focuses on preventing heartworm disease — i.e., it kills heartworm larvae before they mature.
It also controls some intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms.
Important: It does not protect against fleas or ticks — so for full protection, dogs take Heartgard alongside a flea/tick product.

Revolution / Revolution Plus

Revolution is a topical monthly treatment (applied to the skin) for heartworm prevention, fleas, and — in many cases — certain ticks, ear mites, mites, and some intestinal parasites (depending on whether it’s being used for dogs or cats) depending on local labeling.
For pets that dislike oral medications or have difficulty tolerating them, a topical like Revolution may be a good option. Revolution Plus is our standard recommendation for feline patients.

Why There’s No “One‑Size‑Fits‑All” Solution

Because parasites come in different types — fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms — a “set it and forget it” approach doesn’t always work. What’s best for one pet might not be ideal for another.

Multi‑dog households, or owners with busy schedules, may prefer long‑acting or simpler, once‑monthly or quarterly products.
Pets with sensitivities, medical conditions, or picky eaters may need topical or injectable options instead of chewables.
Because some products only protect against fleas/ticks or heartworm/worms — combining strategies is often necessary for complete protection.

That’s why at Summit Veterinary Care we don’t believe in “one size fits all.” We work with you to build a personalized parasite‑prevention plan based on your pet’s lifestyle, risk level, age, weight, and overall health.

Why This Matters for Pet Parents in Bristow & Beyond

Here in Bristow, VA and communities around us, ticks, fleas, and mosquitos are a real concern — especially with wooded areas, yards, and outdoor time. Parsing all these products can be confusing.

At Summit Veterinary Care, we take the guesswork out of parasite prevention: we help you pick a plan that protects your pet — thoroughly, safely, and in a way that works for your routine.

If you’re uncertain, or if your pet’s circumstances have changed (season change, more outdoor time, new pet in the household, travel, etc.), schedule a parasite‑prevention consult. Together, we’ll set up a plan tailored to your pet’s life — so you don’t have to worry.