Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day
Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day on February 20th : A Special Tribute to Our Furry Friends. Every year on February 20th, pet lovers across the country come together to celebrate Love Your Pet Day. This special day is dedicated to showing extra love, care, and appreciation for pets. These are the animals that bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, a talkative parrot, or a gentle rabbit, this day is for them. It’s the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for their presence. It’s also a chance to ensure their well-being.
Keeping Pets Safe From Ticks Year-Round
Tick bites on dogs and cats. Ticks. the word alone is enough to make any pet owner shudder. These tiny, blood-sucking parasites transfer nasty illnesses like the notorious Lyme Disease: a dangerous infection that can cause everything from muscular to neurological problems in animals and humans.
Ticks were once known to hitch a ride on your dog after a hike in the woods – but with the U.S.’s growing population and ever-changing landscape, the bugs are spreading their location, too. What can you do to keep your furry friends (and yourself) safe from ticks? We’ve answered some of the top questions below.
“Are my pets at risk of a tick-bite?”
Do you live in the United States? Does your pet spend time outside? If so, then the safe answer is yes: your pet is at risk of a tick bite. Of course, there are many factors that affect the true likelihood of a tick bite, and what effect it’ll have on your pet.
One of these factors is location. Ticks can be found in virtually every county across the U.S., but are much more prevalent in areas like the Northeast and the Western coastline. If you live in a heavily wooded area or an area surrounding fresh water, you’re more susceptible than others. Ticks, especially the Lyme disease-carrying Deer Ticks, thrive in shady, moist areas, the edges of woods, and even stone walls. If you and your pet live in an apartment, you’re less at risk than someone on the edge of a pond – but tick-borne diseases can be spread by exposed animals who physically transport ticks themselves.
Spring has sprung in the United States. Above is a 2025 map developed by the Companion Animal Parasite Council to showcase the Lyme prevalence forecasted for the United States.
Northeast On High Alert
You’ll notice the Northeast is the highest risk, with over 10% of counties housing ticks with disease-causing bacterium. The semi-good news is that the chilly Northeast temperatures cause tick species to lay low until warmer spring weather.
Another important factor, of course, is the species of pet you have. When we think ticks, we think dogs – but there are other pets at risk of getting hurt by a tick bite. Cats, though fortunately highly resistant to Lyme Disease, can develop other tick-related issues like Hemobartonellosis: a bacterial parasite linked to life-threatening anemia. Other domestic animals are no better off than dogs. Horses, goats, and even cows are susceptible to Lyme and other tick-related diseases. If you have chickens, though, here’s some news that’ll unruffle your feathers: chickens actually eat ticks! Perhaps it’s time to consider raising your own backyard chickens.
“Ticks aren’t just a summertime problem. Many species remain active whenever temperatures rise above freezing, which is why year-round tick prevention is one of the most important things pet owners can do to protect their dogs and cats,” says Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Fear Free Pets.
“What can I do to prevent a tick bite?”
It’s never bad to prevent your pet from dangerous tick bites, and there are a few options for doing so. The simplest first step to take: give your pet a full body scan after spending time outdoors. This includes checks after walks in the yard or the park, and especially after spending any time near wooded areas.
For those with grass yards, make sure to keep your grass at a low height to avoid tick hot-spots. Keep your yard free of debris, including leaf and wood piles, as these become homes for the pesky parasites.
Spray For Ticks
If your land borders heavy shrubbery or trees, it may be worth the extra step to have your yard sprayed. Hire a professional to apply a perimeter insecticide treatment to your yard, but first be sure that any outdoor pets and their food supplies (like hay or feed) are safely out of the way. Clean and treat any of your pet’s favorite shady hang out spots, like under decks and trees. Using cedar mulch is another great, natural way to keep ticks at bay. The wood repels ticks, and even fleas, so considering using it around your yard, under decks, and in flower beds.
Are you finding this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and we’ll email you a 10% discount code, good towards your first pet care services booking on PetWorks!
Physical Preventatives
Of course, caring for your environment is only one step to keeping your pet safe. It’s also important to arm your pet with physical preventative measures.
- Tick Prevention For Dogs: Tick collars, like these from Seresto and Sentry, are effective in repelling and killing ticks prior to biting. For a natural solution, geranium oil is safe to apply on a dog’s collar. Topical applications, like Frontline Plus, can be used on the fur to kill ticks and larvae and to prevent others for 30 days. Chewable doses, like NexGard, can be given orally for similar prevention. Learn more about what ticks look like on dogs.
- Tick Prevention For Cats: Tick collars, like one from Advantage II, will repel and kill ticks. Topical applications, like Frontline Plus, can be used on the fur to kill ticks and their larvae, and repel others for 30 days.
- Tick Prevention For Horses: Spray or wipe on insect repellant containing cypermethrin or permethrin prior to riding.
- Tick Prevention for Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and other livestock: Apply a spray-on or dust-on insecticide to prevent ticks, lice, and other pesky bugs. Many are approved for use on lactating animals, and are safe to use during milk production.
“My pet got bit! How do I remove a tick?”
Even with the best preventative measures, it’s not always easy to keep the teeny terrors away from your pets. If you find a tick on your pet, stay calm. Grab some gloves and a pair of fine point tweezers, and grab the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible. Gently pull up with a straight, steady motion, so as not to leave the tick’s head embedded in the skin. After the tick has been removed, clean the bite-site with rubbing alcohol, then be sure to wash your hands and disinfect the tweezers.
What are post tick-bite symptoms to look out for?
If your dog, cat, or other pet has been bitten by a tick, keep an eye out for lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of muscle movement, and rapid heart rate. These can be signs of harmful, or even deadly, infections like Tick Fever and Lyme Disease.
If your pet, particularly dog, appears to be “stuck” sleeping or in a comatose state, this is a sign of Tick Paralysis. Symptoms of tick-related illnesses can take between days and even months to appear, so if you begin to notice any unusual symptoms, visit your local veterinarian, or go to PetWorks for regular and holistic pet care services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ticks and Pets
Can pets get ticks year-round?
Yes. While ticks are most active in spring and summer, many species survive year-round—especially in mild climates and indoors. Pets can be exposed during winter walks, hikes, or through other animals.
What months are ticks most dangerous for dogs and cats?
Ticks are most active from early spring through fall, but warmer winters have extended tick season in many regions. That’s why veterinarians recommend year-round tick prevention.
What diseases can ticks transmit to pets?
Ticks can spread serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. Some of these diseases can cause long-term health issues if left untreated.
What’s the best way to prevent ticks on pets?
The most effective protection combines veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives, routine tick checks, proper yard maintenance, and avoiding high-risk areas like tall grass and wooded trails.
How often should I check my pet for ticks?
Check your pet daily during peak tick season and after outdoor activities. Pay close attention to ears, neck, under collars, between toes, and around the tail.
What should I do if I find a tick on my pet?
Remove the tick promptly using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp close to the skin and pull straight out. Monitor your pet for signs of illness and contact your vet if symptoms appear.
They’re tiny, but their impact is mighty. Don’t take the risk with ticks – start preventative measures early to keep your beloved companions safe through every season!
About PetWorks
Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform PetWorks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped PetWorks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined PetWorks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps PetWorks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
About The Author
PetWorks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy. Kevin lives with two cats, and is well-acquainted with strange cat behavior!
How Do I Find A Holistic Vet Near Me?
Holistic Vet Near Me….Is Right Here! Holistic Pet Care: The Rise of Online Consultations in Modern Pet Wellness. In the ever-evolving landscape of pet wellness, holistic care has become a popular alternative to traditional veterinary practices. By addressing the physical, emotional, and even spiritual needs of pets, holistic specialists aim to enhance overall well-being, focusing on prevention and natural remedies. With the rise of telehealth and online platforms, holistic care specialists are now offering consultations virtually, making their services more accessible than ever before. This shift is transforming how pet parents approach their furry friends’ health, often bypassing the need for traditional vet office visits.
What Is Holistic Pet Care?
Holistic pet care focuses on treating the whole animal rather than just the symptoms of an ailment. Unlike conventional veterinary care, which often relies on medications and surgeries, holistic practices integrate alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, animal chiropractic care, and pet nutritional counseling. These methods emphasize preventive care, aiming to strengthen a pet’s immune system, address root causes of illness, and promote long-term vitality.
Holistic practitioners view pets as unique individuals with distinct needs, tailoring treatments to their personalities, medical histories, and environmental factors. For instance, a dog with chronic anxiety may benefit from a combination of dietary adjustments, aromatherapy, and behavior training instead of just a prescription for anti-anxiety medication.
Holistic Vet Near Me – The Growth of Online Consultations
The demand for virtual holistic pet care consultations has surged in recent years, driven by convenience, accessibility, and advancements in telecommunication technology. Online consultations allow pet parents to connect with certified holistic specialists regardless of their geographic location, enabling them to access expert advice without leaving their homes.
This approach is especially beneficial for pet owners in rural or underserved areas, where finding holistic veterinarians or specialists might be challenging. Additionally, virtual consultations eliminate the stress associated with transporting pets to a clinic, particularly for animals prone to anxiety or motion sickness.
“I would define holistic veterinary care as using all diagnostic and treatment modalities that are available and effective, whether it’s a traditional pharmaceutical or an ancient herb, to address all aspects of an animal’s health.” – Dr. Angie Krause, Boulder Holistic Vet
How Online Holistic Pet Care Works
Online holistic consultations typically begin with an in-depth assessment of the pet’s health history, lifestyle, and current concerns. Pet parents may be asked to fill out detailed questionnaires or submit photos and videos showcasing their pet’s behavior, posture, or physical symptoms.
During the video call, the specialist reviews the information and collaborates with the owner to develop a personalized care plan. Depending on the issue, the plan might include dietary changes, natural supplements, at-home massage techniques, or recommendations for local practitioners who can provide hands-on treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic adjustments.
For example, a cat with chronic digestive issues may be prescribed a species-appropriate diet rich in fresh, unprocessed foods, along with probiotics and herbal supplements. Similarly, a dog recovering from an injury might be guided through at-home physical therapy exercises to improve mobility.
Advantages of Virtual Holistic Consultations
1. Convenience and Accessibility
Busy schedules and long commutes to veterinary clinics often deter pet parents from seeking regular care. Virtual consultations remove these barriers, allowing appointments to be scheduled at times that suit the owner’s routine.
2. Stress-Free Experience for Pets
Many animals become anxious in clinical settings due to unfamiliar smells, loud noises, or interactions with other pets. By staying in their comfortable home environment, pets remain relaxed during their assessments, leading to more accurate evaluations.
3. Tailored and Comprehensive Care
Holistic specialists often spend more time with clients during virtual consultations than a typical veterinary visit allows. This extended interaction fosters a deeper understanding of the pet’s overall health and enables more personalized recommendations.
4. Focus on Prevention
Holistic care emphasizes preventive measures, empowering pet parents to address potential issues before they escalate into chronic conditions. This proactive approach often results in lower long-term healthcare costs.
5. Global Access to Experts
With online consultations, pet owners can connect with renowned holistic practitioners worldwide, ensuring access to specialized expertise that may not be available locally.
“The veterinarian’s oath includes the promise ‘to protect animal health and welfare, prevent and relieve animal suffering.’ It is a noble profession that demands a selfless commitment to serving the needs of animals.” – Tom Meyer, President, AVMA
Replacing Traditional Vet Visits?
Although you might be seeking an holistic vet near me, holistic online consultations offer numerous benefits, they are not a complete replacement for in-person veterinary care. Certain medical conditions require diagnostic tests, imaging, or emergency interventions that only a physical clinic can provide. However, holistic virtual care serves as an excellent complement to traditional veterinary medicine.
For example, a pet recovering from surgery may benefit from a holistic specialist’s input on pain management, nutrition, and rehabilitation techniques alongside the primary veterinarian’s treatment plan. Similarly, chronic issues like arthritis, skin conditions, or anxiety can be addressed holistically to reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals.
Choosing the Right Holistic Care Specialist
To ensure a positive experience, pet parents should research the credentials and qualifications of holistic practitioners offering online consultations. Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) or the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). Reading reviews, testimonials, and asking for recommendations can also help identify trustworthy professionals.
It’s also important to establish clear communication with the specialist. Transparency about your pet’s medical history, previous treatments, and ongoing conditions will help them craft the most effective care plan.
The Future of Holistic Pet Care
As technology continues to advance, the future of holistic pet care looks promising. Innovations like wearable health trackers for pets, telemedicine apps, and AI-driven diagnostic tools are likely to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of online consultations. Additionally, increased awareness about the benefits of holistic practices will encourage more pet parents to explore these alternatives.
Pet owners are also becoming more educated about the importance of natural remedies, balanced nutrition, and preventive care. This shift in mindset aligns with the principles of holistic care, fostering a more integrative approach to pet health.
The rise of online holistic consultations represents a significant step forward in pet wellness. By offering convenient, personalized, and stress-free care, holistic specialists are transforming how pet parents approach their furry companions’ health. While not a complete replacement for traditional veterinary services, virtual holistic care is an invaluable resource. It empowers owners to take a proactive role in their pets’ overall well-being.
Are you finding this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and we’ll email you a 10% discount code, good towards your first pet care services booking on Petworks!
FAQs: Holistic Vets
Q: What is a holistic vet?
A: A holistic vet treats the whole animal, combining traditional medicine with alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and nutrition counseling.
Q: How do I find a holistic vet near me?
A: Search online directories like the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) or use platforms like Petworks to locate trusted local holistic vets.
Q: Are holistic treatments safe for my pet?
A: Yes, when administered by licensed holistic veterinarians. They integrate evidence-based practices with complementary therapies to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Q: Can holistic care replace conventional veterinary care?
A: Holistic care complements conventional care. Most holistic vets still provide vaccines, diagnostics, and emergency treatments alongside alternative therapies.
As this trend continues to grow, it’s clear that holistic pet care will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of animal health. For pet parents seeking a more natural and comprehensive approach to wellness, the convenience of online holistic consultations is a game-changer.
About Petworks
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
About The Author
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
What Is The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers?
The Best Diets for Golden Retrievers: A Comprehensive Guide. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, prized for their friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature. A balanced and nutritious diet is key to keeping your Golden healthy, energetic, and happy. This guide covers the best dietary choices for Golden Retrievers, including recommended food types, essential nutrients, canine nutritionist consultation options, and helpful feeding tips.
Pet Care Myths Debunked: What Every Owner Needs to Know
Caring for a pet can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also come with a lot of confusing advice. Over the years, myths and misconceptions about pet care have spread widely Often with the best intentions. Following outdated guidance can sometimes harm pets rather than help them. Here, we separate fact from fiction and provide evidence-based insights from experts to ensure your furry friend thrives. (more…)
