Although there is an abundance of fleas and ticks running around in the environment, it only takes one to cause you and your pet a great deal of misery. Due to the mild winter Iowa experienced, the pest-ridden torment has begun early for some pets and their owners, according to Dr. David Larson, Newton Animal Clinic veterinarian.

“This year’s been unusual because we didn’t have much of a winter,” Larson said. “When the leaves start coming out on the trees, from early April to June, is our worst tick season. Fleas (also) started way earlier this year. They love this hot, humid weather. We’re seeing them left and right. Fleas start later, typically in May, and they’ll go until the ground freezes solid. The frost doesn’t do much to them.”

Ticks, more often found on dogs, can carry a number of diseases such as Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis. An animal may encounter ticks while walking through the woods or high grass.