Flea & Tick Season Is Here

As spring temperatures rise, veterinarians are reminding pet owners that flea and tick prevention should be part of every warm-weather routine. With pets spending more time outdoors, a proactive approach can help prevent discomfort, infestation, and more serious health concerns before they start.

With warmer days finally arriving, pet owners are once again opening the door to longer walks, afternoons in the yard, and more outdoor time with their dogs and cats. But alongside the pleasures of spring comes a familiar seasonal concern: fleas and ticks, which become more active as temperatures rise and can pose a real threat to pets’ health and comfort.

Though easy to dismiss as a seasonal nuisance, fleas and ticks can create far more serious problems for pets than a bit of scratching. In addition to irritation, they can contribute to allergic reactions, skin issues, and, in some cases, disease transmission. Dr. Sarah Hettinger, a veterinarian who directs operations at the Animal Health Center of Chillicothe and works with the Petland Chillicothe location in Ohio, says prevention is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect pets during the warmer months. Flea and tick prevention products are available at Petland as part of that seasonal care routine.

For pets that spend time outdoors in grassy, wooded, or park-like settings, that advice becomes especially important. Even animals that are carefully groomed and closely supervised can still come into contact with parasites during a routine walk, an afternoon in the yard, or time spent on neighborhood trails and in parks. Because fleas and ticks can easily hitch a ride indoors, a brief outing is often all it takes for exposure to happen.

Rather than waiting for a visible problem to appear, veterinarians recommend building prevention into a pet’s regular care plan from the start of the season. That approach should begin with guidance from a veterinarian, who can recommend products based on a pet’s age, health, and lifestyle. Daily tick checks, especially after time outdoors, are another smart habit during the spring and summer months, when parasite activity tends to increase.

Pet owners should also pay close attention to subtle changes in behavior. Excessive scratching, licking, biting at the skin, or unusual restlessness can sometimes be early signs that something is wrong. Catching those changes quickly can make treatment easier and help prevent a minor issue from becoming a more serious one. 

The home environment matters, too. Keeping living spaces clean, vacuuming regularly, washing pet bedding, and maintaining the yard can all help reduce the places fleas and ticks are likely to thrive. These practical steps, while simple, can make a meaningful difference when paired with professional veterinary guidance.  

The takeaway is straightforward: prevention supports not only health, but quality of life. Pets that are protected from fleas and ticks are more comfortable, more active, and better able to enjoy the season alongside the people who care for them.