Which of the following is an environmental control measure as part of parasite prevention?

• A. Flea and tick prevention
• B. Heartworm prevention
• C. Environmental control
• D. Regular deworming

Answer: (C)

Environmental control focuses on changing the dog’s surroundings to reduce exposure to parasites. By removing or reducing parasite habitats—eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, keeping yards clean and trimmed to discourage fleas and ticks, regularly washing and airing bedding, vacuuming indoors, proper waste management, and treating kennels and outdoor areas—you cut down the places parasites can live and reproduce. This approach lowers risk by altering the environment rather than treating the animal directly. The other options are important parts of prevention, but they work by directly protecting the dog with medications or topical products (flea/tick preventatives, heartworm preventatives, or routine deworming) rather than by modifying the environment.