## Climate Change Has Changed the Rules

10 years ago, in Italy, dog antiparasitics were given "from March to October". Winter = break.

**Today it's no longer like that**. Climate change has raised average Italian temperatures by 2-3°C over 20 years. The consequence:
- **Ticks active 12 months a year** in Mediterranean regions.
- **Fleas** present even in winter.
- **Mosquitoes** as filaria vectors extended from May to November (even December in some areas).
- **Sandflies** (vectors of leishmaniasis) active for 6-8 months.

12 months a year protection is no longer paranoia. It is **a health necessity**.

## The 4 Main Parasites

### 1. Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)

**What they do**: they feed on blood, lay eggs indoors.

**Consequences**:
- Intense itching, dermatitis.
- Allergy (FAD - flea allergy dermatitis).
- Anemia in puppies.
- Transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum).

**Reproductive cycle**: one flea lays 50 eggs/day. In 30 days, 1 flea = **thousands of fleas** indoors.

### 2. Ticks (Ixodes, Rhipicephalus)

**What they do**: they attach to the skin, suck blood for days.

**Diseases transmitted**:
- **Babesiosis**: blood parasite, severe anemia.
- **Ehrlichiosis**: very severe.
- **Borrelia (Lyme)**: lameness, neurological problems.
- **Anaplasmosis**: fever, lethargy.
- **Rickettsiosis**.

In some areas (Friuli, Trentino, Tuscany): **20-30%** of ticks are infected.

### 3. Sandflies (Phlebotomus)

**What they do**: small mosquitoes active at dusk, especially in summer.

**Disease transmitted**: **leishmaniasis** (very serious, chronic, sometimes fatal).

**Spread**:
- All of southern Italy.
- Central Italy.
- Po Valley (expanding).

### 4. Mosquitoes (Culex, Aedes)

**What they do**: suck blood.

**Diseases transmitted**:
- **Cardiopulmonary filaria** (Dirofilaria immitis): worms in the heart, fatal.
- **Cutaneous filaria** (Dirofilaria repens): less severe but bothersome.

## The 12-Month Protection Calendar

### Winter (December-February)

**Fleas**: protection **yes** indoors with heating.

**Ticks**: protection **yes** in Mediterranean regions. Break only in high mountains or cold northern plains.

**Sandflies, mosquitoes, filaria**: break.

**Recommended products**:
- Antiparasitic for fleas/ticks only (Bravecto, Nexgard, Frontline).
- Frequency: every 1-3 months depending on the product.

### Spring (March-May)

**All parasites** active.

**Complete protocol**:
- Antiparasitic for fleas/ticks.
- Repellent against sandflies and mosquitoes (Scalibor collar, spray).
- **Start filaria prophylaxis** (monthly tablets or spot-on).

### Summer (June-August)

**Maximum activity of all parasites**.

**Intensive protocol**:
- Complete antiparasitic.
- Repellent collar.
- Monthly filaria prophylaxis.
- Any repellent sprays before evening outings.

### Autumn (September-November)

**Parasites continue**, gradual reduction.

**Protocol continues** until mid-November. Then transition to winter protocol.

## Types of Antiparasitics

### Spot-on (drops on the skin)

**Brands**: Frontline, Advantix, Vectra, Scalibor (some for ticks only).

**Pros**:
- Easy monthly application.
- Repellent effect in many formulations.
- Water-resistant.

**Cons**:
- Scent not always pleasant.
- Some indoor cats must be protected (Advantix is toxic to cats).

**Cost**: €8-15 per monthly vial.

### Tablets (oral)

**Brands**: Bravecto (3 months), Nexgard (1 month), Simparica (1 month).

**Pros**:
- Complete internal effect.
- No risk for cohabiting cats.
- Resistant to bathing.

**Cons**:
- Only for fleas/ticks, not repellent for sandflies/mosquitoes.
- High cost.

**Cost**: €25-40 per tablet.

### Collars

**Brands**: Seresto (8 months), Scalibor (6 months).

**Pros**:
- Long duration (months).
- Excellent repellent effect for leishmania.
- Economical in the long term.

**Cons**:
- Wash the dog carefully (water-resistant but not for intensive bathing).
- Some dogs hate collars.

**Cost**: €30-60 per collar (6-8 months).

### Repellent Sprays

**For specific outings**:
- Water + neem oil.
- Commercial sprays (Advantix spray, Frontline Tri-Act).

**Useful** for evening outings in at-risk areas.

## Annual Costs of Full Protection

**Dog weighing 15-25 kg, 12 months protection**:

**Basic scenario** (fleas/ticks + filaria + repellents):
- Flea/tick antiparasitics: €120-200.
- Filaria prophylaxis: €60-100.
- Scalibor collar (sandflies): €30.
- Any spray: €30.

**Total**: €240-360/year.

**Premium scenario**:
- Bravecto (3 months): 4 doses = €120-160.
- Annual injectable filaria prophylaxis (Proheart): €80-120.
- Seresto + Scalibor collar: €90.
- Total: €290-370/year.

## Common Mistakes

**Mistake 1**: "Stop antiparasitics in winter".
**Truth**: in mild climates, parasites continue.

**Mistake 2**: "Indoor dogs don’t need it".
**Truth**: indoor dogs still bring parasites into the house with quick outings.

**Mistake 3**: "All antiparasitics are the same".
**Truth**: huge differences between products.

**Mistake 4**: "Natural antiparasitics are enough".
**False**: neem oil, citronella, etc. have minimal effect. Insufficient for endemic areas.

**Mistake 5**: "One application is enough".
**Truth**: monthly or as per product. Never skip.

## Signs of Parasitism

**Fleas**:
- Dog scratches intensely.
- "Black sand" on the fur (flea droppings).
- Fleas visible in less hairy areas.

**Ticks**:
- "Dots" under the skin (attached ticks).
- Hairy areas where they burrow (ears, armpits, groin).

**Check regularly** after every walk in nature.

## What to Do If You Find a Tick

1. **DO NOT pull** with your fingers.
2. Use **tick tweezers** or fine tweezers.
3. Grab the tick **at the base** (close to the skin).
4. Pull **straight upward** slowly.
5. **Disinfect** the area.
6. **Store the tick** in a jar (for potential analysis).
7. **Monitor the dog** for 2-3 weeks (signs of illness).

If symptoms appear: consult a veterinarian for specific tests.

## Traveling: Extra Precautions

**Southern Italy**:
- High endemic leishmaniasis.
- Scalibor collar mandatory.
- Enhanced filaria prophylaxis.

**Alpine areas**:
- Endemic ticks (Borrelia, TBE).
- Regular antiparasitic.

**Abroad**:
- Check for specific pathogens in the area.
- Consult a veterinarian before departure.

## The Truth

Modern antiparasitic protection is one of the **best investments** for your dog's health.

**€240-360 per year** = a negligible cost compared to the risks:
- Filaria: treatment if contracted €1,500-3,000.
- Leishmaniasis: lifelong management.
- Borrelia: complex treatments.

A dog without protection **risks serious diseases**. A protected dog lives peacefully.

Invest in prevention 12 months a year. Your dog will emerge healthy. And live longer.