After a cold and dismal winter, the blooms and vibrant colors of spring have finally arrived. While we can shed the many protective layers of clothing donned in the past few months, we must prepare to shield ourselves and our pets from warm weather parasites such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. All of these pests pose dangerous risks to dogs and cats.

Lyme disease is the most common illness transmitted by ticks. Although it has not been proven to be a primary concern of cats, Lyme disease can cause severe illness in dogs and humans. Dogs are also at risk for other tick borne diseases such as Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These tick related illnesses present with signs such as lethargy, decreased appetite, fever and swollen joints. Some dogs with Lyme disease can develop life- threatening damage to the kidneys.

Fleas suck blood from pets and can cause anemia, a decrease in the body’s red blood cell count. When a flea takes a blood meal, flea saliva is transferred into the host’s body. It is the flea’s saliva which causes an allergic response and the severe itchiness experienced by dogs and cats. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms to dogs and cats and cause feline infectious anemia.

Mosquitoes carry heartworm disease and can infect dogs and cats. If not detected and treated early, infected dogs can die. While cats are not as susceptible as dogs, there is no available safe treatment for cats with heartworm disease. It is much easier and safer to prevent heartworm infection rather than to deal with the consequences of the disease.

It is best to prevent these pests with the use of veterinary approved products. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any product to your pet. Never use a product labeled for dogs on a cat! Year round prevention is recommended.