In the spring and summer, pet owners shouldn’t overlook vaccination. Pets can fall ill not only from infections carried by insects and arachnids, but also become carriers that threaten people around them. This is a reminder from a veterinary clinic leader who emphasizes proactive pet health in warmer months.
For dogs, babesiosis—an illness tied to bites from certain ixodid ticks—poses a serious danger. It can damage red blood cells and, in severe cases, lead to a pet’s decline within a few days. Cats can contract the disease too, though a fatal outcome is less common in felines.
According to veterinary guidance, there are core vaccines that should be administered annually to maintain broad protection against key diseases.
The central preventive strategy is annual vaccination of pets against six major infections: rabies, leptospirosis, plague, hepatitis, adenovirus, and parvovirus. This vaccination set is widely recommended for dogs and cats in many North American regions, helping to reduce the risk of severe illness and the spread of disease.
Alongside vaccines, pet safety can be supported by insect-control measures. Sprays with specialized formulations, along with collars, tablets, or aerosols, can reduce exposure to ticks, fleas, and other pests. These products should be chosen based on pet size, lifestyle, and local risk levels, and used according to label directions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
When a tick bite does occur, prompt attention matters. Responding quickly by removing the tick with proper technique and consulting a veterinarian can help prevent disease transmission. Pet owners should be aware of early signs of tick-borne illness and seek veterinary guidance if anything unusual is observed after an exposure event, especially during peak tick season. Regular checkups with a veterinarian can catch issues early and support a healthy, active life for pets throughout the warmer months.