Vet Talk: The Dog Days of Summer

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Summer is just around the corner, and we are all looking forward to spending more time

outdoors with our pets. But as temperatures rise, the risk of exposure to parasites like

fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes will significantly increase. These pests not only cause your

pet to be uncomfortable, but they can also lead to severe, even deadly diseases.

Thankfully, staying on top of your pet’s parasite prevention can significantly decrease or

even eliminate the concern for parasite-related illnesses.

One very important note about parasites is that, especially in the South, they never

really go away. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes may not be as active in

the cooler months, but they do not simply disappear. This time of year brings warmer

temperatures that provide the perfect environment for these parasites to thrive. During

the spring and summer, our pets are at a much higher risk for flea infestations, tickborne

diseases, and even heartworm disease.

So how do we protect our pets? Prevention is key! If you wait until you see a flea or tick

on your pet to start parasite prevention, it is likely too late as an infestation on your pet

(or even in your home!) may already be underway. It is best to start parasite prevention

now, or, better yet, keep your pet on parasite prevention year-round!

Let’s take a look at what parasites we need to look out for, how they may affect our pets,

and how we can prevent them!