protect hound and cats from parasites is an important part of responsible pet ownership . Fleas , ticking , hookworm disease , and mosquito are a few troublesome pests that can cause pets discomfort and transmit serious disease . For case , mosquito are the vector of heartworms , meaning they can carry and transmit this internal leech to detent and cat .
In the Southern United States , there is no real “ off time of year ” for fleas , ticks , or mosquito . Veterinarians recommend usingyear - rung sponger controlto ensure your ducky is always protect from these pest .
“ Environmental and mood - relate factor in the Southern U.S.—warm and humid — are favorable for the selection and proliferation of many different parasites , including fleas , ticking , mosquito , coccidian , and several worm mintage , ” enounce Dr. Barbara Qurollo , research associate professor at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine . “ The wide diverseness of thriving vector species — mosquitoes , flea , and tick — increases the peril of transmitter - borne disease , including heartworm disease , bartonellosis , ehrlichiosis , and Rocky Mountain spotted febricity . ”
Keep reading for a regional guide to heartworm disease , fleas , and ticking in the Southern states of Alabama , Arkansas , Delaware , Florida , Georgia , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maryland , Mississippi , North Carolina , Oklahoma , South Carolina , Tennessee , and Texas .
Heartworm Disease in the South
Heartworm is a serious and sometimes venomous sponger that touch dogs and African tea . Although heartworm is found in all 50 Department of State , the parasite is exceedingly predominant in the South . Both dogs and kat can get heartworms through the bite of an infected mosquito . Untreated heartworm disease causes serious damage to the heart , lungs , and other organs , which can head to death . For dog , heartworm treatmentis available , though it is extended and costly . No handling is usable forheartworm in cats .
“ Mosquitoes love the warmth , humidness , heavy rain , and hurricanes prevalent in the Southern United States , ” says Dr. Jennifer Rizzo , president of theAmerican Heartworm Society(AHS ) . “ In arena where mosquito control measuring do not subsist , the risk increases further . ”
The AHS has conducted periodic heartworm incidence surveys since 2001 , track data from thousands of veterinarians who render heartworm mental testing resultant role from their practices . The Southern United States , particularly the Mississippi Delta and Gulf Coast states , have the highest incidence of heartworm disease in the country .
“ In the latestAHS Heartworm Incidence Survey , which was conducted [ in 2023 ] and examine data from 2022 , the five state with the highest heartworm denseness were Mississippi , Louisiana , Texas , Alabama , and Arkansas , ” says Dr. Rizzo , who practices in Gainesville , Florida . Many veterinary clinic in these Department of State see more than 100 heartworm case annually . In addition , Arkansas , Mississippi , Texas , Georgia , Florida , Tennessee , and the Carolinas all saw expansions of high - density areas .
Although not as impacted as the Deep South , veterinary hospital in Delaware and Maryland describe an average of 6 to 25 heartworm cases per clinic per annum .
twelvemonth - one shot heartworm prevention is imperative for any pet support in the South . Somevet - approved heartworm preventativesalso kill flea , tick , and/or enteric worms .
Fleas in the South
A flea infestation is the last affair any best-loved parent wants to deal with . Once well - establish , fleas can be extremely difficult to exterminate in the pet , in the home , and in the yard and other outdoor area . Although more than 2,000 flea species survive worldwide , most wiener and true cat become infest with thecat flea(Ctenocephalides felis ) .
full-grown flea live on their server — in this case , a hot dog or cat — where they flow on the host ’s blood and lay nut . fully grown female fleas consist eggs after each blood meal and can lay 100 of eggs during their lifespan . As the pet moves around , flea eggsdrop off into the environment and stay there until they hatch a few days or weeks later on . The larvae later organize cocoon , incubating the fleas ( pupal stage ) until they are quick to think up as grownup .
Eliminating flea completely requires killing all four life stages — grownup fleas , eggs , larvae , and pupal . This can take several weeks or months of treatment as fleas move through the different life cycle stages . Using a veterinary - approvedflea control product for dogsorcatsis the proficient way to avoid flea .
Veterinarians recommend using flea protective covering all year . The strong and humid mood in the Southern United States is idealistic for fleas . In fact , they are fighting year - round in many states in the South . All darling are at danger , including indoor pets , as flea can thumb into the star sign on wearable and shoes .
“ As we have longer seasons of warm , humid weather condition , we will also have farsighted period of parasite survival , vector activity , and possible disease infection throughout the year , ” Dr. Qurollo enounce .
Ticks in the South
Although many citizenry call them “ bugs , ” ticks are not insect but tiny arachnids ( bear on to spiders and Scorpio ) . Ticks are common in wooded and brushy areas , as well as place brute frequent , likedog parks . Ticks ordinarily cling to grass or other low - growing leafage and rise on to favorite as they walk by and brush against these descent - suckers . Once on your darling , ticks seize with teeth into the cutis and firmly attach themselves , where they feed on a blood repast .
check are highly predominant in the South , and they carry serious risks oftick - borne diseasefor both pets and people . Like fleas , ticks can live most of the year in the Southern United States , so they are always a risk to pets hold out in this region .
TheAsian longhorned tick , a fresh invasive check mark species in the U.S. , has been find in Southern United States Department of State , include Arkansas , Delaware , Georgia , Maryland , Kentucky , the Carolinas , and Tennessee . However , research is ongoing to find out whether these ticks are able to pass harmful germs along to people and animal .
expert recommend using twelvemonth - round tick control condition , especially for pets that spend a lot of metre outdoors . Many vet - approved check control products stamp out multiple parasites , induct fleas and/or heartworm .
Lyme Disease in the South
Lyme diseaseis channel to people and dogs by the blacklegged tick or deer tick ( Ixodes scapularis ) . Although Lyme disease is the most rife tick - borne disease in the United States , it ’s not a immense risk of exposure in the South , despite established population of blacklegged check mark in the Southern U.S. The humiliated relative incidence of Lyme disease in the South can be explained by the alimentation habit of scab ticks living in the North versus those living in the South .
“ Northern blacklegged ticks opt to feed on little rodents , which are reservoir master of ceremonies forBorrelia burgdorferi(bacteria that causes Lyme disease ) , ” Dr. Qurollo allege . “ southerly blacklegged check prefer to course on lizards , which are not typically infect withB. burgdorferi . ”
Even though blacklegged ticks do n’t circulate a net ton of Lyme disease in the South , these blighter carry and impart other life-threatening diseases , including anaplasmosis , babesiosis , and Bourbon dynasty virus .
Here is a snap of some of the usual check mark - borne disease that can affect pets in the South and the tick species that are involve :
Ticks in Alabama
If you love to be alfresco , Alabama is a dream with the foothills of the Appalachians , the beautiful beach of the Gulf , 22 province parking lot , eight home car park , and an abundance of nature conserves . feel endless chance to relish the great open with your deary , admit canoeing , sportfishing , hike , camping , and more . search is a popular pastime , and dog are allowed at Alabama State Parks , as well as five beaches . Of of course , parasite protection is an important part of any outdoor activity .
Alabama ticks can be dynamic all year long , and tick - bear illnesses are reported yr - bout in the state , according to theAlabama Department of Public Health . Alabama tick diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease .
type of Ticks in Alabama Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Alabama
Ticks in Arkansas
Arkansas is known as the Natural State , and there ’s sure enough an teemingness of outdoor fun for you and your positron emission tomography , from kayaking the earth ’s longest bayou to hike nature trails to exploring the 52 state Rosa Parks and seven interior parks , where leashed dogs are welcome .
Arkansas mark off can be active all year long , according to theArkansas Department of Public Health . Arkansas ticking diseases admit vulgar tick - gestate diseases like Rocky Mountain spot pyrexia , as well as emerging disease like heartland virus and bourbon computer virus . The endangerment these emerging virus pose to wienerwurst and kat is not yet well interpret .
case of Ticks in Arkansas Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Arkansas
Ticks in Delaware
With 17 state commons , one national park and nearly 400 miles of beautiful coastline , Delaware offers sizeable opportunities for adventure , whether boost , paddle , or only enjoy the beautiful scenery . Dogs are welcome at most State Department commons with some restrictions at state beach in the warmer calendar month .
Because thevarious speciesof Delaware ticks are active in different season , ticks are an emergence all year long , according to Delaware ’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control . Delaware check mark disease include Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease .
Types of Ticks in Delaware Dangerous for deary
Tick - Borne Diseases in Delaware
Ticks in Florida
Whether hike up , bivouacking , paddling , or hanging at the beach , the Sunshine State has something for everyone — favorite include ! Leashed dog are allowed at most of Florida ’s whopping 175 land parks and some of the state ’s 11 national parks , and you ’ll find a crowd of dog friendly beaches , too .
Because the various type of ticks in Florida are active in unlike season , tick season in Florida is generally year - circular , according to theFlorida Department of Health . Diseases carried by Florida check include Lyme disease , Rocky Mountain spotted pyrexia , and ehrlichiosis .
type of Ticks in Florida Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Florida
Ticks in Georgia
If you make love to explore , Georgia has a mountain to offer , from waterfall hikes to tenting , sportfishing , boat , waddle , and more . detent are welcome at the 63 Georgia State Parks , including all encampment and most hiking trails . Georgia even has some dog - friendly beach .
The different types ofticks in Georgiahave varied active seasons , so ticks are found in Georgia most of the year . Georgia check carry common check - borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever , as well as emerging diseases like heartland virus .
type of Ticks in Georgia Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Georgia
Ticks in Kentucky
The Bluegrass State might be known for its horse cavalry , but Kentucky has plenty of attracter for dog , too . With 45 land parks and six national common , Kentucky is prime for act as outdoors . Whether hiking , paddling , or just taking in a view of the Appalachian Mountains , be sure your dearie is prepped with the right-hand leech control .
Varioustypes ofticks in Kentuckyare alive in unlike month , so tick control products are commend twelvemonth - circular . Ticks in Kentucky carry common ticking - borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spot feverishness , as well as the rarefied but potentially fatal bacterial contagion tularaemia .
Types of Ticks in Kentucky Dangerous for pet
Tick - Borne Diseases in Kentucky
Ticks in Louisiana
Whether you ’re into hunt , sportfishing , encampment , paddling , or hiking , Louisiana has a mountain to offer pet loving adventurer . Dogs are welcome at Louisiana ’s 38 state park , five interior park , and many public beach .
Due to the varied calendar month that the differentLouisiana ticksare active , ticks are a threat to pet most the yr . For this grounds , veterinarians urge using a leech preventive that ’s effective against ticks year - round .
Types of Ticks in Louisiana Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Louisiana
Ticks in Maryland
Maryland is a piddle - lover ’s dream , with abundant beach and waterways prime for seafaring , canoe , kayaking , and more . With 75 Department of State park and 16 national park , there are lot of place to research .
There are six type ofticks in Maryland , and some of them are fighting year - orotund . Maryland tick conduct many uncouth tick - borne disease , including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain discern fever .
Types of Ticks in Maryland Dangerous for pet
Tick - Borne Diseases in Maryland
Ticks in Mississippi
In the inwardness of the South , Mississippi has heap of outdoor fun in store whether you enjoy sportfishing , hunting , camping , hiking , splash around , or soaring . Leashed pets are permitted in most of the 25 Mississippi State Parks and nine national parkland . Some mintage ofMississippi ticksare activeyear - round , so dearie are always at risk .
Types of Ticks in Mississippi Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Mississippi
Ticks in North Carolina
North Carolina seems to have it all , from beach to waterfalls to woodland . Whether you ’re up for encampment , hike , hunt , swimming , or paddling , North Carolina is perfect for adventure . Leashed dogs are welcome at North Carolina ’s 41 state parks , 10 national common internet site , and four home forests .
Due to the various seasonality of different eccentric ofticks in North Carolina , ticks are a risk year - circular , though spring , summer , and fall are the most active months . Some common tick - stick out disease conduct by North Carolina tick include Rocky Mountain spotted feverishness , Lyme disease , and ehrlichiosis .
Types of Ticks in North Carolina Dangerous for pet
Tick - Borne Diseases in North Carolina
Ticks in Oklahoma
There ’s plenty to do with your pet in the gorgeous state of Oklahoma , whether you like swimming , hike , boat or just enjoying the beautiful scenery . Leashed dog are welcome at Oklahoma ’s 32 state parks and six interior green .
Oklahoma ticks carry several commontick - borne disease , but the most significant is Rocky Mountain spotted fever . Five type ofticks in Oklahomacommonly affect pet .
case of Ticks in Oklahoma Dangerous for deary
Tick - Borne Diseases in Oklahoma
Ticks in South Carolina
Like its sister state , North Carolina , South Carolina has much to offer the out-of-door enthusiast , let in beaches , falls , river , timberland , and mountains . Leashed dogs are welcome at South Carolina ’s 47 commonwealth parkland and seven national green internet site .
There are sixtypes of check mark in South Carolinathat pose peril to pets , and they are fighting all year long .
case of Ticks in South Carolina Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in South Carolina
Ticks in Tennessee
Explore the wild in Tennessee with the state ’s breathless scenery . Camping , tramp , paddling , hunt , fishing … you name it — Tennessee is brim with outside adventure . lend your dog or cat along to one of Tennessee ’s 56 res publica Mungo Park or 13 national parking area ( pets must be on leash or crated ) .
There are six different types of ticks in Tennessee that pose a scourge to pet . ticking disease in Tennessee include Rocky Mountain fleck fever , anaplasmosis ehrlichiosis , and others . Varioustypes ofticks in Tennesseeare active in different months , so check mark control products are recommended year - round .
character of Ticks in Tennessee Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Tennessee
Ticks in Texas
They say everything is bigger in Texas , and that let in the chance for outdoor fun . From river to the Gulf of Mexico , beach to wood , and desert to mountains , Texas has it all . Almost all of Texas ’s 89 res publica parks permit click , and leashed firedog are welcomed at one of Texas ’s two home park ( Guadalupe Mountains ) .
Varioustypes ofticks in Texasare active in unlike months , so ticking control product are recommended year - circular . Common check mark - borne diseases in Texas include Rocky Mountain spotted fever , Lyme disease , anaplasmosis , and more .
Types of Ticks in Texas Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases in Texas
Living in the South:Protecting Your Pet From Parasites
To keep parasite off your pet , consider their modus vivendi and what case of parasite they might receive . wiener who drop a lot of time outdoors hiking , hunting , or hanging out at dog parks are at risk of encounter fleas , ticks , and mosquitoes . computed tomography who endure strictly indoors might not require a tick ascendance intersection , but flea and mosquitoes can come inside , where they will make a beeline for your pet .
Always curb your pets cautiously for ticks after they have been outdoors , specially after take the air or hiking in brushy or wooded areas . Removing tickswithin a few hours of adherence can serve reduce contagion of tick - borne disease .
According to Dr. Qurollo , hunt dogs are more likely to encounter different parasites depending on their exposure to sure prey animate being , and dogs and cats with strong quarry drives and free access to pocket-sized wild animals can also become septic with certain gastrointestinal worm or protozoon if the target is ingest .
“ Owners can help define infection from many unlike sponger by providing year - round flea , tick , heartworm , and GI parasite prevention , ” she says . “ possessor can throttle exposure to other parasites by monitor their pets ’ time outside and preventing predation of wildlife . ”
expert advocate contribute parasite protection class - rotund , regardless of which state you inhabit in . It ’s hard to know when and where parasite natural action starts and stops in any year . In the South especially , flea , check , and mosquito that impart heartworm can be dynamic most or all of the year . Fleas and mosquitoes can also weather cool months by get indoors .
Dr. Qurollo , who survive in Raleigh , North Carolina , found a mosquito in her house in the eye of January when temperature out of doors were between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit . “ In my ruling , it ’s not worth the risk of my dog or cat contracting heartworm disease to write a small money by skipping a few month of hitch , ” she say . “ Heartworm discussion for hotdog that become infected is expensive and requires strict cage residue to help foreclose complications from pop the worm . ”
Dr. Rizzo also points out that monthly heartworm preventatives eliminate heartworm infections that were established the previous calendar month , so consistent manipulation all year is cardinal to killing these grave sponger . “ If mosquito remained active in October , it ’s crucial for the pet to incur a heartworm preventive in November , ” she says .
Always blab out to your veterinarian about the best parasite ascendance for your pet . Many dissimilar products are uncommitted that kill multiple sponge , so your pet can be protected with one monthly treatment .
“ compounding Cartesian product that direct multiple parasites , such as fleas , check mark , intestinal parasite , and heartworms , offer several advantages , including convenience and ease , which better complaisance , ” Dr. Qurollo says . “ It is often more cost - effectual , too . Furthermore , animals on broad - spectrum sponge preventative can limit environmental spreadhead . ”
References
