[diggy4]

Happy spring! Parasite protection for your pet is important all year long, but warmer weather often means more outdoor activities and time spent outdoors, which in turn leads to increased exposure to parasites.

Some of these pests are specific only to certain regions of the country, but one thing is true everywhere: parasites aren't just a nuisance; they're a very real threat to your pet's health and well-being.

OVERVIEW:
* FLEAS - transmit tapeworms and Bartonellosis, and their bites can result in very uncomfortable skin problems for your pet - and even anemia, in extreme cases.
* TICKS - transmit several dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis.
* MOSQUITOES - cause itchy bites, of course, but much more dangerous is their ability to transmit heartworms.
* HEARTWORMS - mature heartworms and larvae can live in your pet's lungs and blood vessels. (Dogs risk heartworms taking up residence in the heart itself!) These deadly parasites can grow over 12 inches long, and cause damage to the heart muscle as well as blockages in the bloodstream. Even indoor pets can be at risk.
* INTESTINAL PARASITES - an array of parasites that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme physical discomfort. Equally worrisome, some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from pets to human family members.