Why Ticks Are a Springtime Concern
Ticks become active when temperatures consistently reach above 45°F (7°C). This means that in many regions, tick season begins in early spring and extends through fall. These small arachnids are more than just a nuisance—they’re vectors for several serious diseases that affect both pets and humans:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Babesiosis
Tick Hotspots: Where Your Pet Is Most at Risk
Ticks thrive in specific environments, and knowing these hotspots can help you take extra precautions:
- Wooded areas with dense underbrush
- Tall grass and meadows
- Leaf litter and garden debris
- Walking trails and hiking paths
- Areas where wildlife frequent
Heartworm Disease: The Hidden Threat
While we’re discussing springtime parasites, it’s crucial to address another serious seasonal threat: heartworm disease. As temperatures rise, so does mosquito activity—and these buzzing pests are the sole transmitters of heartworm disease.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by foot-long worms (Dirofilaria immitis) that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. These parasites can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in the body.
How it Spreads
- An infected mosquito bites your pet and deposits heartworm larvae into their bloodstream
- The larvae migrate through the body for approximately 6 months
- Adult worms mature in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels
- Adult heartworms can live for 5-7 years in dogs and 2-3 years in cats
- A single dog can harbor hundreds of worms
Signs of Heartworm Disease
In dogs:
- Mild persistent cough
- Reluctance to exercise
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Swollen belly due to excess fluid
In cats:
- Coughing or asthma-like attacks
- Periodic vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Difficulty walking
- Fainting or seizures
Prevention is Critical
The good news is that heartworm disease is completely preventable with monthly preventatives. These medications come in several forms:
- Oral tablets
- Topical liquids
- Injectable options (lasting 6-12 months)
Many heartworm preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites and some even help control fleas and ticks, offering comprehensive protection.
Protection Strategies for Your Pet
Our veterinary team recommends a multi-layered approach to parasite prevention:
1. Year-Round Preventatives
Prescription preventatives come in several forms:
- Topical treatments applied monthly to your pet’s skin
- Oral medications that provide protection for 1-3 months
- Tick collars that can last up to 8 months
- Heartworm preventatives (monthly oral or topical, or injectable lasting 6-12 months)
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine which options are best for your pet’s lifestyle and health needs.
2. Regular Tick Checks
After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your pet for ticks, paying special attention to:
- Around the ears and ear canals
- Under the collar
- Between toes and paw pads
- Around the tail base
- In skin folds
- Around the eyes
- Under the front legs
3. Proper Tick Removal
If you find a tick on your pet:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool
- Grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure
- Avoid twisting or jerking
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic
- Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol or flushing it
4. Yard Management
Reduce parasite populations in your yard by:
- Keeping grass short
- Removing leaf litter and yard debris
- Creating barriers of wood chips between wooded areas and lawns
- Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed
- Considering professional yard treatments in high-risk areas
Annual Testing is Essential
Even with diligent prevention, we recommend annual testing for heartworm disease and tick-borne illnesses. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
- Dogs should be tested annually for heartworms and common tick-borne diseases
- Cats should be tested as recommended by your veterinarian
- Testing is particularly important if there have been gaps in preventative medication
When to See a Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
For potential tick-borne diseases:
- Lameness or joint pain
- Lethargy or decreased energy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A “bull’s eye” rash around the tick bite
For potential heartworm disease:
- Coughing
- Exercise intolerance
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
Final Thoughts
At BEVS, we believe prevention is the best medicine. By implementing these strategies and staying vigilant, you can help your furry family members enjoy a healthy, active spring without the dangers that ticks and mosquitoes pose.