16/07/2025
Critical Tick Update!! The Companion Animal Parasite Council's (CAPC) January to June 2025 Parasite Prevalence Maps are showing that Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis (tickborne diseases) are showing elevated or very high prevalence rates in Virginia--especially in our Northern Virginia area. This means all pets are at risk, as ticks are thriving in our region's moist, wooded environments and even in landscaped neighborhoods.
All three diseases can trigger serious symptoms like fever, joint pain, lethargy, neurologic symptoms and more. Fortunately, preventive measures are significantly easier, safer, and more cost-effective than treatment! You can protect your pet ASAP by:
- Using tick prevention year-round, with oral, topical, and collar options such as Nexgard Plus and Seresto collars.
- Check your pet daily after every outing, even if they've just spent 5 minutes in your yard--especially around the ears, belly, and paws.
- Keep grass trimmed, remove leaf litter, and create tick-free zones in your yard.
- Schedule your pet's next Lyme disease vaccination or check when they last received the vaccine
- Check PetDiseaseAlerts.org for forecast maps and stay informed
Call us at (703) 723-1017 to review your pet's parasite prevention plans. With tickborne illnesses surging in Virginia, taking action now can make all the difference. Let's work together to keep all of our four-legged companions safe, healthy, and tick-free!