Mild winter means bad season for fleas and ticks

By Mark Bullion

May 21, 2012 Updated May 21, 2012 at 6:23 PM CDT

PEORIA, Ill -- It's that time of year when fleas and ticks can become a major health problem for your pet. And with a very mild winter, one local veterinarian says this summer season could be bad.

Dr. Ray Ramirez with Lakeview Veterinary Clinic says pet owners should be aware of wooded and high grass areas where ticks are mostly found.

He says fleas are mostly found in areas like your back yard where other wild animals tend to track through.

Dr. Ramirez says the key to a healthy pet is checking their hair or fur and doing it often.

"So you just want to look at probably two common areas, first of which would be around the ears, so lift up the flap of the ear, look in the ear, and over the top. The next one seems to be in the chin area which again is just an area where its easier for the ticks to get at and I think also in part because I think it's where the animals can't get at," said Dr. Ramirez.

If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, get them checked at your local veterinarian immediately.

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