Cape Cod’s natural beauty, its woods, dunes, marshes, and wildlife also make it a hotspot for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that carry harmful diseases. Year-round prevention is essential for both cats and dogs, even if they live indoors.

Ticks are common in wooded and grassy areas and can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, all found on the Cape.

Fleas can cause intense itching, skin infections, and allergic reactions. They also carry tapeworms and can quickly infest homes.

Mosquitoes spread heartworm disease, a potentially fatal condition for dogs. For cats, heartworm disease IS a fatal condition, as there is no cure. Heartworm disease affects the heart and lungs. Heartworm has been diagnosed in dogs and cats throughout Massachusetts.

Indoor pets are still at risk. Fleas can hitch a ride inside on clothing, and mosquitoes easily enter homes.