When warm weather rolls into North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to enjoy longer walks, backyard lounging, and weekend getaways with your furry companion. But alongside the sunshine and fresh air, pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes also thrive—bringing serious health risks to pets in Charlotte, Matthews, Indian Trail, Mint Hill, Ballantyne, Pineville, and surrounding communities. Fortunately, with the right information and proactive care, you can help your pet stay protected and happy throughout the season.
Why Prevention Matters More in the Warm Months
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes don’t just cause annoying bites—they can transmit diseases and lead to long-term health issues. In North Carolina’s humid climate, these parasites become especially active during late spring and summer. Fleas can trigger skin allergies and carry tapeworms; ticks can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and other infections; and mosquitoes are responsible for spreading heartworm disease, a potentially fatal condition in both dogs and cats.
Because these pests are active outdoors and often hitch rides indoors, even indoor pets are at risk. Prevention is not only safer and more effective than treatment—it’s also more affordable in the long run.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. Dogs are natural hosts, but cats can also suffer severe complications. Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites, and unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the damage may already be significant.
Symptoms may include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and in severe cases, heart failure. Thankfully, heartworm prevention is straightforward—monthly medication can prevent larvae from developing into adult worms. You can learn more about how heartworm disease develops and is prevented through resources provided by the American Heartworm Society.
We recommend annual heartworm testing as part of your pet’s wellness care to ensure your pet remains protected year-round.
Fleas and Ticks: Small Parasites, Big Problems
It’s easy to underestimate how quickly a single flea can turn into a full-blown infestation. Fleas reproduce rapidly and can hide in carpets, furniture, and yard debris. They often cause intense itching, skin infections, and even anemia in puppies or kittens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides useful information on fleas and the risks they pose to both pets and people.
Ticks, on the other hand, can latch onto pets after walks through tall grass or wooded areas. Diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever aren’t just dangerous for pets—they can also affect humans. That’s why regular tick checks after outdoor activities are essential, especially in wooded areas around Charlotte and surrounding suburbs. The CDC’s guide to ticks and tickborne illnesses is a reliable resource for pet owners and families who live near nature.
How to Keep Your Pet Protected
Preventive care plays a key role in keeping pets safe. At Best Care Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive parasite prevention guidance as part of our Tailored Wellness Plans to help your pet stay safe and comfortable all year long. During your visit, we may recommend:
- Monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives (oral or topical)
- Heartworm testing (annually or as recommended)
- Tick-borne disease screening for dogs with frequent outdoor exposure
- In-house diagnostic tests to detect early signs of infection
Consistent use of preventatives and annual testing is your pet’s best defense against these parasites. For veterinary professionals, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) outlines evidence-based prevention guidelines that many clinics—including ours—reference when customizing parasite protection plans.
Simple Steps to Boost Protection at Home
Aside from veterinary care, there are steps you can take around your home to reduce pest exposure:
- Keep your yard trimmed and free of tall grass or debris
- Wash pet bedding frequently
- Vacuum rugs and furniture regularly to remove flea eggs and larvae
- Use a flea comb during grooming sessions
- Inspect your pet for ticks after time outdoors
For households with multiple pets, it’s critical to treat all animals consistently—fleas and ticks spread quickly between them.
When to See the Vet
If your pet seems unusually itchy, develops scabs, shows signs of fatigue, or experiences weight loss, don’t wait. These symptoms may indicate a parasitic infection or allergic reaction. Best Care Animal Hospital provides in-house diagnostics and urgent care services to evaluate and treat symptoms before they become serious.
We also encourage pet owners to schedule a wellness exam before peak parasite season. This gives us the opportunity to update vaccines, assess your pet’s current prevention plan, and catch early signs of trouble.If you’re unsure which parasite prevention method is best for your dog or cat, our team is here to help you make an informed decision.
Schedule your pet’s visit today at Best Care Animal Hospital so we can tailor a wellness plan that suits their needs and fits your lifestyle.