Urgent Summer Warning Issued for Michigan Pet Owners

As we get ready to spend more time outside this summer, many Michigan pets are also wagging their tails with excitement. But when it comes to taking your pets outside, Michiganders need to protect their pets from insects that could infect their pets with some pretty nasty diseases.

Common Bites and Stings That Threaten Michigan Pets

The staff at Briarwood Veterinarian Hospital in Grand Blanc, Michigan informed us that while fleas are by far the most common problem for pet owners, this year they have seen a dramatic surge in ticks among Mid-Michigan pets. Fleas can transmit tapeworms and can also cause allergic reactions. Fleas don't just like pets, they have been known to bite people as well.

Ticks, on the other hand, are usually found in grassy wooded areas and love to snack on people and Michigan's wildlife, including deer. Ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme Disease.

Another common pest that bothers both Michiganders and their pets are mosquitoes. While these bites are not as bad as bite by a tick or a flea, mosquitoes still cause irritation and can transmit several diseases including West Nile virus.

Other flying nuisances like Wasps, Bees, Hornets and Yellow Jackets are known to attack when they are disturbed. This goes for dogs and cats too, and the swarm usually attacks the head, face and paws. Non-flying fire ants can also sting pets, and they usually attack the belly where there is less fur. If your pet has been stung multiple times take them to an animal hospital immediately.

Snake and spider bites can also pose a risk to Michigan's pet population. These bites have varying severity depending on the venom. Ranging from symptoms like swelling to death, following a snake or spider bite you should take your furry friend to the vet right away.