I was told recently by a friend that there are no fleas/ticks in the desert so I should discontinue the monthly treatment on my dog. She also said to discontinue the monthly heart worm med. Please advise on the best course of action. Thank you.

Talk to a Vet and not just your friends.

If your dog in yard and then maybe yoy dont need..I take mine to day care and dog park so you bet I give her flea and heartworm medicine..

Molly has not taken flea and tick meds sice we moved here 6 years ago. The vet says she does not need it. As for the heartworm I do give it to her. Only because she had heartworm when I rescued her 6 years ago.

I live in the Palm Springs desert. Your friend might be correct about fleas, but clearly does not like our furry family members very much. I have five furry pets. never seen a flea on any of them. Ticks however your friend is very wrong. Both of my dogs have had ticks on them. The big one 5x so far. They don't go outside the yard. I spray more. Heart worm? Dude, Really? Who the F knows! Contact a vet clinic in the Coachella (Desert) Valley. They should be able to provide you an answer. Tell your friend, you deserve better friends.

I take advice on animal care from vets. Vets with local experience.

I can only speak for my dogs but I never saw any fleas when I moved here in 2010 so I discontinued the treatment and have had no fleas on any of my dogs.

Always get a second opinion