Protect Your Pets and Family All Year Long

Ticks, fleas, mosquitos and other parasites are a huge threat not only to pets, but also to the owners who love them. Many think they're safe from these pests in the winter, but think again. Veterinarians Dr. Prior and Dr. Lund of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) share tools to protect our families and furry friends this season and all year long.

The CAPC's forecasts show that parasitic diseases are dynamic and spreading across the country. Dr. Kathy Lund, from Rhode Island, has found that Lyme disease is a major problem in the area. "What we found with last year's horrific snowfall is very unexpected," she says, "I would have thought ticks would die, and, in fact, what we found is that the snow acted almost like a down comforter where the ticks were insulated and warm and cozy underneath."

This means after the snow melts, the ticks pop up hungry, looking for something to feed on. The CAPC recommends that parasite control regimens be given throughout the year for reasons just like this.

And if you live in the South, you're not off the hook. "There are other tick-born diseases in the South," says Nashville native, Dr. Craig Prior.

Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasma and Heart Worm Disease (also a national disease) are problems that affect southern states, and forecasts show that they are spreading their range.

"We have to protect our animals on a monthly basis, year round," says Dr. Prior. Both doctors say the best way to do this is to talk to your vet about what to use on your pet, what the risk factors are, what's safest for your pet and what's going to protect your family as well.

"They know you, and they can help you choose what's best for your animal[s] and their lifestyle," says Dr. Prior.

Not only will you be protecting your pet, but your family as well, from these horrific diseases. "So consider these products like insurance policies," says Dr. Prior, "It's cheaper to prevent the disease than having to diagnose and treat it."