The westerly states of the U.S. are known for their wide - undefended blank space , sensational wild area , and various wildlife . For bounder , cats , and pet parents who enjoy the open air , this area of the country can be a outstanding place to visit or live . But pet who pass a lot of time alfresco in the western U.S. start the danger of being infested by parasites like ticks , flea , and the mosquito that channel heartworm disease . Even indoor pets are at endangerment .
To keep your preferred dependable , it ’s important to develop yourself about how parasite risks dissent between geographic regions and State and be intimate how toprotect your weenie or khat .
Keep reading for a regional guidebook to heartworm disease , fleas , and tick in the westerly states of Alaska , Arizona , California , Colorado , Hawaii , Idaho , Montana , Nevada , New Mexico , Oregon , Utah , Washington , and Wyoming .
Heartworm Disease in the West
Heartworms are an internal parasite that isspread to dogsand cats by mosquito . While both dogs andcats can get heartworms , wienerwurst are the preferent host of heartworms . “ Heartworms are transfer through mosquito bites , ” explain Los Angeles - based vet Dr. Sehaj Grewal , the CEO ofTheMelroseVet.com . “ It read about six months for the worms to mature and ( start make symptom in pet . ”
Heartworms not only move the core , they can also impact a pet ’s lung and blood vessels . Once these sponge are inside your pet , they can cause severe lung disease , heart nonstarter , and damage to other organs if untreated , harmonise to theAmerican Heartworm Society .
When compare to other parts of the U.S. , such as the Atlantic and Gulf coasts , the relative incidence of heartworm disease in the West is in the main lower . But that does n’t mean it ’s non - real . Southwest states with warmer climate typically have more cases compare to states in the Pacific Northwest that live frigid cold ginger nut over the wintertime . In Alaska , the only document heartworm cases are in pet with a account of travel outside the state . However , as global temperatures rise in response to climate alteration and masses travel more with their pets , cases of heartworm disease are popping up in new places .
In addition , heartworm disease is becoming more frequent in some states due to dog and cat move programs led by animal eudaemonia organizations and pet adoption office , says Dr. Cassan Pulaski , a clinical help prof and theater director of the Parasitology Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Georgia ’s College of Veterinary Medicine . One of the effects of that is when these creature are relocated , if they are infest , they work parasites with them , Dr. Pulaski says .
For model , increased animal resettlement could be a impart factor to a recent rise in heartworm cases in Colorado . According to a 2019 study published inParasites & Vectors , animal shelters and rescue mathematical group import more than 114,000 andiron into Colorado between 2014 and 2017 . Many of these imported dogs originated from states with high prevalence of heartworm disease , such as New Mexico , Texas , and Oklahoma . Around the same prison term , the state go out a 67.5 percent increment in heartworm disease in dogs in Colorado , between 2013 and 2017 .
Regardless of where you live in the West , the American Heartworm Societyrecommendsyear - round heartworm prevention — even regions with cold winters .
Fleas in the West
Fleas are find in just about every U.S. Department of State , making it hard to escape these pesky , blood - prey insect . Yet , there are sure areas — and times — where fleas are more abundant , Dr. Pulaski state .
“ When we recall about the states that are the most problematic , they ’re going to be country that are hot , tender , and very moist , ” Dr. Pulaski tell . “ Fleas do n’t in particular like cold , and they do n’t like teetotal . ”
So when temperature prove , the risk of your pet getting flea goes up , even in states where flea are n’t as common . That being said , flea can be a trouble twelvemonth - round ( or nearly twelvemonth - circular ) for many westerly land . ( equate to other U.S. country , Alaska and Wyoming have shorter flea season . )
“ Fleas are going to be emerging and going to be really happy at about 70 or 75 degrees [ Fahrenheit ] , ” Dr. Pulaski adds “ but they can go into a inactive state at around 50 or so degrees and ride out in that dormant state for a foresighted time . ”
The most common flea to affect pets is thecat flea(Ctenocephalides felis ) , which , despite its name , pretend both dogs and cat . Besides realize your hound or computerized tomography itchy , cat fleas can lead to wellness condition likeanemiaorflea allergy dermatitisand potentially transmit other parasites liketapeworms .
Canis familiaris and cat can also carry various types of rodent flea that are known to transmit the bubonic plague , accord to theNew Mexico Department of Health . Since 1970 , more than half of plague cases in the U.S. have been reported in New Mexico . In 2017 , fleas werefoundto be carrying the bacteria for the bubonic plague in two counties in northern Arizona . In 2023 , Wyoming also recorded itsfirst know caseof bubonic pestilence in a pet cat , and a late case ofhuman plague in Oregonwas likely triggered by a preferent cat .
deary can get fleas from “ infested brute or environments , ” Dr. Grewal says . expend time outside in “ grassy or wooded area increase the hazard ” of your preferred getting fleas , he add together . Dr. Grewal recommends even flea ascendance and keep on your indoor and out-of-door place clean .
Ticks in the West
While there are many different ticks rule in the western states of the U.S. , three of the most common ones are the American frump ticking ( Dermacentor variabilis ) , the western blacklegged tick ( Ixodes pacificus ) , and the brown dog tick ( Rhipicephalus sanguineus ) . However , the preponderance of ticks variegate for each body politic . In Alaska , for instance , tick are not very vulgar , but coastal nation like California and Oregon tend to have comparatively high tick activity .
If your dog orcat get a tick , it does n’t of necessity mean they will get atick - deliver disease . But left unnoticed and untreated , pets with check can be at danger of a range of takings , including serious illnesses likeLyme diseaseandRocky Mountain spotted fever .
“ preferred owners should be aware of the specific tick coinage in their area and apply preventive standard to protect against tick - borne diseases , ” says Dr. Jessica Jensen , an Oregon - ground veterinarian with the mobile pet aid service , The Vets . “ Regular prepare and check checks are all-important for effective tick control . interview with a veterinary can put up individualised direction based on local check mark coinage and associated risks . ”
Both you and your pet are most likely to happen ticks while walking through wooded or bushy area , or places with foresightful supergrass . you may protect yourself by wearing repellant , shirt with long sleeve , and pant . As for your pet , talk to your veterinary about regular check mark and flea control .
Below are common tick - hold disease impacting favorite in the West and the tick species that can get them :
Ticks in Alaska
No matter the season , Alaska has a ton of outdoor activities you may savour with your furred admirer . Together , you may explore state park , make relaxed at campgrounds , or go kayaking . While parasites are less of a concern in this cold Pacific Northwest state , there has been an increasing number of flea and tick cases there , due to the humans ’s changing mood and citizenry transporting infected pets into the state from other places .
According to thestate of Alaska ’s Department of Fish and Wildlife , American dog ticks and brown dog ticks have on occasion been found on companion fauna . If you do find a tick on your pet , the body politic urge that youcarefully remove it , put it into a container , and send it to theAlaska Submit - a - Tickprogram for testing and data point collecting .
case of Ticks in Alaska Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases ascertain in Alaska
While ticks found in Alaska have the ability to carry and spread the bacterium that stimulate Rocky Mountain spy fever , ehrlichiosis , tularemia , and other check mark - borne disease , so farresearchers have not regain any evidencethat ticks presently in the land are carry the germs that cause these diseases .
Ticks in Arizona
While most national parkland in the U.S. do not permit pet , Arizona is an exclusion to the convention . You ’re allowed to take your dog around the Rim Trail of the Grand Canyon and through many part of the Petrified Forest National Park . But if your dog or cat is out adventuring in Arizona , you will involve to be aware of ticks , which can bear on your pet twelvemonth round .
In Arizona , tick are moving into new locations and check mark - borne diseases are propagate across the nation , according to theUniversity of Arizona . The most common check mark found in Arizona is the brown dog check mark , which can air several diseases to Canis familiaris and African tea . westerly blacklegged ticking and Rocky Mountain wood ticks are also found in Arizona , but they ’re only establish in a circumscribed part of the state ’s north , according to data collect by theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC ) .
type of Ticks in Arizona Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases Found in Arizona
Ticks in California
California has it all — sandy beaches , snow - crest mountains , and wide-cut stretching of desert . Adventure - loving hot dog and true cat have no shortage of activity to do in this coastal state . But California ’s divers mood means that ticks can affect your pet at any time of the year . Not only that , butlonger periods of rainthat are now occurring in the state have expanded the range of disease - carrying tick and are preserve them out for foresightful periods . For instance , California has seen an uptick in Rocky Mountain spotted feverishness , a potentially fatal tick - assume disease that can involve both the great unwashed and pets .
type of Ticks in California Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases base in California
Ticks in Colorado
With its mountains , canyons , and waterway , Colorado has plenty of outdoor attracter for you to search with your pet . However , you should be aware that tick and the diseases they bear are becoming more prevalent in Colorado .
According toCDC datum , there are two ticks that mainly affect pet in the state : the brown dog tick and the Rocky mass wood tick . However , a 2022 study write in the journalTicks and Tick - borne Diseasesfound that click like the American weenie check are also present in Colorado . The lone star ticking has also been build an periodic appearance , in all probability after being carried by animals from other states , according to theColorado Tick - borne Disease Awareness Association .
case of Ticks in Colorado Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases Found in Colorado
Ticks in Hawaii
With its sun - intoxicate beaches , volcanic quite a little , and stunning falls , the Aloha land has much to offer you and your escapade - loving ducky . While ticks are comparatively rare in Hawaii , it is still potential for your pet to get them , especially as people move other pets and livestock into the state .
accord to the Hawaii Department of Health , thetickyou need to be mindful of is the dark-brown dog tick . Other ticking metal money , including the American dog check mark and the lone star tick , have beenfoundon Hawaii , but these example are incredibly rare .
Types of Ticks in Hawaii Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases recover in Hawaii
Ticks in Idaho
Idaho is a great berth for PET . There are pet - friendly restaurants , parks for unleashed dramatic play , and heap of hiking trails for your dog — or cat — to explore the slap-up outdoors . But you’re able to also discover at least three different types of ticks in Idaho , accord toCDC data : the chocolate-brown dog tick , American dog check mark , and the Rocky mountain wood check . American pawl ticks can be found in field of long grass and low - lying coppice , brownish frankfurter ticks can be establish in homes and wiener doghouse , and Rocky quite a little woods ticks can be notice along trails , grasslands , and lightly wooded areas .
Although rarer , Western blacklegged check mark — a tick get it on to carry Lyme disease — have also been get hold in parts of Northern Idaho , consort to the University of Idaho . Pets can clean them up in grass , brushland , along track , or even semi - rural or suburban orbit where wild animate being like deer — which are known to sway the ticks — are present . westerly blacklegged tick are very small and seem to know how to hide in your dog ’s fur , make it really difficult to find them .
Types of Ticks in Idaho Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases rule in Idaho
Ticks in Montana
With its mountains , river , and prairies , Montana is the perfect state to enjoy the outdoors with your furred friend . But you should know that ticks in Montana can be found along streams or rivers , or in sagebrush flat , grassy hayfield , wetlands or woods . Other tick are found in indoor environs like homes , kennels or shed .
There are at leastfour ticksknown to affect companion animate being in Montana , all of which can cause various check - borne diseases . But luckily , Lyme disease is not one of them . The only relative incidence of Lyme disease in pets are believe to have originated in other states .
type of Ticks in Montana Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases Found in Montana
Ticks in Nevada
Nevada is illustrious for the city of Las Vegas , but there is also a trove of rude attractor you may explore with your furry friend — from canyons to lakes to wilderness areas . Nevada ’s dry climate signify that ticks are n’t as rife here as they are in neighboring coastal State Department like California and Oregon . But this does n’t think of that they ’re not around .
fit in to theCDC , four dissimilar disease - harboring check mark that affect fellow traveler dogs ( as well as people ) can be found in the state . What ’s more , ticks are present in Nevada yr circle , which intend that your ducky may need year - round of golf protection .
type of Ticks in Nevada Dangerous for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases Found in Nevada
Ticks in New Mexico
New Mexico is a state with a dry , moderate climate that is full of car park , trails , and camping site for you to explore with your pet . But like many parts of the U.S. , ticks are on the rise in New Mexico . Data pile up by the CDC indicates that there are two main ticks to look on out for : the brown domestic dog ticking and the Rocky Mountain tick . There are also report of lone star ticks appearing in the state .
Types of Ticks in New Mexico Dangerous for PET
Tick - Borne Diseases Found in New Mexico
Ticks in Oregon
With its balmy and coolheaded climate , you may explore Oregon ’s many state Mungo Park , beaches , and wild expanse year round . However , ticks could pose a problem for you and your positron emission tomography at any clip of the year . report alsosuggestthat ticks are expanding their kitchen stove in Oregon due to warmer weather .
Dr. Jensen says that best-loved parent in states like Oregon should be aware of the local risk and follow up preventative measures . “ even tick checks , repellent , and veterinary - approved preventatives are crucial for scale down the risk of tick - borne diseases , ” she says .
type of Ticks in Oregon Dangerous for pet
Tick - Borne Diseases launch in Oregon
Ticks in Utah
Utah is a land - locked state with dozens of parks , trails , and campgrounds you could explore with your furry protagonist . While parasites tend not to be a problem during the body politic ’s Baron Snow of Leicester - mob winter , you need to be mindful of check , fleas , and the mosquitoes that make heartworm disease when the temperatures uprise .
Utah State University indicates that themost common tickpeople and their positron emission tomography showdown in Utah is the Rocky Mountain wood tick , which can transmit disease like the Colorado check febrility .
Types of Ticks in Utah Dangerous for pet
Tick - Borne Diseases Found in Utah
Ticks in Washington
Washington State Department is a great position to live or travel to if you have an dangerous undertaking - loving dearie . This Pacific Northwest state has XII of pet - favorable parks , trail , and beach you may explore with your furry friend .
ticking can be retrieve all over Washington state , and they can strike your firedog or guy at any clip of the year . Your pet is most likely to blame one up when explore the out-of-doors — from trails to grassy meadows to wooded areas frequented by other wildlife .
Types of Ticks in Washington Dangerous for favorite
Tick - Borne Diseases find in Washington
Ticks in Wyoming
Equality State has some of the nation ’s most picturesque wilderness areas , and you may explore many of these places with your dog or guy . However , you should cognise that you may encounter check mark at closely every part of the class in the state , grant to theWyoming Department of Health . There are at least three types of ticks that can impact your pet in Wyoming , the most common one being the Rocky Mountain wood tick .
type of Ticks in Wyoming life-threatening for Pets
Tick - Borne Diseases find in Wyoming
Living in the West:Protecting Your Pet From Parasites
So , how does one protect their pet from parasites in the western U.S. land , especially if they want to spend a lot of fourth dimension outside ? Dr. Jensen sound out pet parents should “ work with veterinary surgeon to install parasite prevention design tailored to their specific locating and pet ’s lifestyle . ”
“ Regular veterinary check - ups and preventative medications are crucial to safeguarding dearie from these parasites , ” Dr. Jensen adds .
In addition to check - ups and medications , Dr. Grewal suggests keeping your yard clean and reducing potential mosquito genteelness sites , and understate your pets ’ exposure to high - risk surface area , especially during peak parasite season in your Department of State .
Dr. Pulaski say it ’s also crucial for all darling to be tested and protect against sponge , no matter how predominant parasite are enunciate to be in their state . However , she recognise that it is not always financially possible for every preferred parent to give their dog or cat year - round security .
“ If doing full protection every twenty-four hours of the year is not available , I really recollect pet owners should let the cat out of the bag to their vet about what is the high risk in their area for this clip of the year or this season , ” Dr. Pulaski says . “ This is how things like preponderance information and prognosis single-valued function can really aid . ”
