2025 Pet Parasite Warning: Lyme & Heartworm Risk Up

As responsible pet parents, we need to stay informed about potential threats to the health and well-being of our best friends. One such threat is the ever-present threat of parasites like fleas and ticks, and the diseases they carry.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), a leading authority on these pests, has just released its 2025 Pet Parasite Forecast, and it’s not looking good. The report highlights a growing risk for Lyme disease and heartworm.

Based on a staggering 10 million diagnostic tests conducted annually, the CAPC has an impressive 94% accuracy rate in predicting the prevalence of these diseases.

Their latest forecast indicates that Lyme disease and heartworm continue to spread across the United States. This isn’t just a static problem in a single area of the country; it’s an evolving one, driven by the shifting populations of ticks and mosquitoes – the culprits behind these nasty diseases.

Specifically, the forecast points to a continued southward and westward spread of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can cause serious joint pain, lameness, and even kidney problems in our pets. The upper Midwest and Northeast remain high-risk zones.

Another tick-borne disease, anaplasmosis, is following a similar pattern of expansion. Meanwhile, ehrlichiosis, another tick-transmitted disease, is holding strong in the Southeast and creeping further north into the upper Midwest and New England.

Meanwhile, the CAPC warns of an increasing spread of heartworm in the southeastern United States, particularly along the Atlantic coast and up the Mississippi River. Much of the middle of the country, stretching from Kansas to Maryland, is facing a heightened risk this year. They also highlight areas of growing concern in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and Northern California.

While this news likely feels a little unsettling, it does for me, we must remember that knowledge is power. Understanding these risks is the first step in keeping our pets safe.

Step two is prevention. The CAPC emphasizes that the risk isn't zero even in areas with a “low risk” designation. That’s why year-round parasite preventative measures are so crucial. This is even more important for pets like dogs and adventure cats who enjoy spending time outdoors where they are more likely to be exposed. Consistent use of veterinarian-recommended preventives for both ticks and heartworm is the best way to shield your pet from these diseases.

Beyond protecting your pet, it’s important to remember that we must also consider our own risk factors. Areas with high rates of heartworm and tick-borne diseases in dogs and cats often indicate a greater risk for us humans as well, as we share the same environments.

So, what can you do?

The first step is to talk with your vet about the specific risks in your area and your pet’s lifestyle. With that information, you can work together to develop a tailored prevention plan. This might include year-round medication, regular testing, and even vaccinations where available (like for Lyme disease).

Ultimately, staying informed and taking proactive steps to lower the risk is key to ensuring our pets live long, healthy, and happy lives, free from the burden of these preventable diseases. Your best friend will thank you.

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