Warmer months bring longer days, more time outdoors, and unfortunately, a rise in parasites that can seriously harm your pet. As temperatures climb, heartworm, fleas, and ticks become more active, putting dogs and cats at higher risk of infection. The good news? Most of these threats can be prevented with the right care and timely protection.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the dangers of these common pests, how they affect your pets, and how Capital Blvd Animal Hospital helps families in Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, and Wake Forest keep their pets healthy and parasite-free all season long.

Understanding the Threat: What Makes These Parasites Dangerous?

Each of these parasites poses a different threat, but all can lead to serious health problems if left untreated:

• Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Once infected, heartworms grow inside a dog’s heart and lungs, potentially leading to organ failure or death. Symptoms are often invisible until the disease is advanced. To learn more about heartworm prevention, visit the American Heartworm Society.
• Fleas cause relentless itching, hair loss, skin infections, and in some cases, allergic dermatitis. In kittens or small dogs, severe flea infestations can lead to dangerous levels of blood loss. For more information on fleas, check out the CDC's Flea Facts.
• Ticks transmit harmful illnesses like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. They can attach quickly during a walk in the woods or even in your own backyard. These diseases can lead to fever, lethargy, joint pain, and long-term complications. The CDC’s guide on tick-borne diseases offers detailed information on these risks.

When Are These Parasites Most Active?

In North Carolina, flea and tick season begins in early spring and peaks through late summer. Mosquitoes that carry heartworm thrive in similar conditions and remain active well into fall. That’s why it’s critical to start your pet’s prevention plan before peak season and maintain it consistently.

A good rule of thumb: if it’s warm enough for you to wear short sleeves, it’s time to protect your pet from parasites.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

At Capital Blvd Animal Hospital, we believe that consistent prevention is the best defense. Here's how we help protect your pet:

• Comprehensive wellness exams to screen for early signs of parasitic infection
• Blood testing for heartworm detection
• Vet-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives tailored to your pet’s size, lifestyle, and health history
• Year-round protection plans to ensure consistency and avoid gaps in prevention

For puppies and kittens 6 months or younger, we also offer inclusive wellness plans that provide early parasite screening and heartworm testing, along with unlimited office visits and essential vaccinations. These plans are a smart way to give your young pet the healthiest possible start while addressing the key threats of the season. To see everything included in these preventive care plans, visit:

• Puppy Preventive Plan – Capital Blvd Animal Hospital
• Kitten Preventive Plan – Capital Blvd Animal Hospital

Signs of Parasite Problems in Pets

If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, it's time to schedule a checkup:

• Persistent scratching, biting, or licking
• Red or irritated skin
• Unexplained coughing or fatigue
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Lameness or stiffness (especially with tick-borne illness)

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early detection makes a big difference.

Keeping Your Home and Yard Pet-Safe

Parasite control doesn’t stop at your pet’s skin. You can reduce exposure risks with a few simple steps:

• Mow your lawn regularly and clear brush to discourage ticks
• Wash pet bedding and vacuum carpets often
• Use pet-safe yard sprays or flea control treatments if needed
• Limit outdoor time at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

If you hike or camp with your dog, check their coat thoroughly for ticks before returning home. For tips on tick prevention, check the CDC’s Preventing Tick Bites.

Every pet is unique—and so is their risk. At Capital Blvd Animal Hospital, we’ll help you build a personalized prevention strategy that fits your schedule and your pet’s lifestyle.

Our team is here to answer your questions, recommend safe and effective preventatives, and provide care if your pet needs treatment for fleas, ticks, or heartworm. Let’s work together to make sure your pet enjoys the season safely, without the itch, infection, or worry.

Schedule a wellness exam or parasite prevention consultation with us today. We proudly serve pet families in Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, and Wake Forest with expert, compassionate care.