Flea and tick season can start as early as February in the Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey areas.
However, because ticks and fleas prefer warmer temperatures, you’ll notice an increase in prevalence during the summer months. If you haven’t done so already, begin the process of protecting your dog (and yourself) from fleas and ticks now.
TICKS
A tick is a blood-sucking parasite that can attach itself to either a dog or a human. After it attaches itself to your pup (or you), it will feed like tomorrow doesn’t exist. Some of the diseases that are associated with ticks include Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. We can’t pronounce most of these diseases either. But we do know it’s best to avoid them.
FLEAS
An adult Female Flea can produce about 50 eggs per day, which means you can have an infestation relatively quickly. At times, the quantity of fleas can become so enormous that your dog will need a flea bath, and your house will need an exterminator. Diseases from this pest can include tapeworms, anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, and bartonellosis. (Yes, in addition to cats, canines can also get bartonellosis).
PREVENTION
Talk to your veterinarian about the best flea and tick prevention for your canine (and feline).