Your backyard should be the safest place for your pet to play, relax, and enjoy the fresh air. But even right outside your door, serious health threats could be waiting—mosquitoes and ticks carrying heartworm or Lyme disease. These aren’t distant problems; they’re common in Cloquet, MN, and every year, pets in our area are affected.
Heartworm disease and Lyme disease are both dangerous, sometimes life-threatening, but entirely preventable. Let’s take a closer look at why these backyard risks are so serious—and what you can do to keep your pet safe.
The First Hidden Threat: Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a pet is bitten, young heartworms invade the bloodstream, migrating to the heart, lungs, and associated vessels. These worms mature, breed, and ultimately inflict permanent harm on vital organs, notably the heart and lungs.
Why is this so dangerous?
Because by the time your pet shows symptoms—like coughing, fatigue, weight loss, or difficulty breathing—the disease is already advanced. Treatment for heartworm in dogs is expensive and stressful, and sadly, there is no approved treatment for cats.
Here in Cloquet, mosquito season typically runs from spring through early fall, but warmer winters and earlier thaws can extend their activity. That’s why we recommend year-round heartworm prevention—not just during the summer months.
You can shop for trusted heartworm preventatives through our online pharmacy, and we’re always happy to help you choose the right product for your pet.
The Second Hidden Threat: Lyme Disease
While mosquitoes are the culprits behind heartworm, ticks are the ones to worry about when it comes to Lyme disease. In Minnesota, deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks) are widespread, especially in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas—which describe a lot of the Cloquet region.
How does Lyme disease affect dogs?
Once a tick attaches to your pet, it can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Infected dogs may develop:
- Fever
- Lameness or joint stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
In some cases, untreated Lyme disease can lead to kidney damage or long-term joint problems. While cats are less commonly affected, they are still at risk for tick-borne illnesses.
The tricky part is that symptoms can take weeks—or even months—to appear. That’s why tick prevention and regular testing are so important. There’s also a Lyme disease vaccine available for dogs, and we recommend it for many of our patients here in Cloquet, especially those who spend time outdoors.
“But My Dog Just Stays in the Yard…”
We hear this a lot—and we get it! If your dog doesn’t go hiking or camping, it’s easy to assume the risk is low. But mosquitoes don’t stay in swamps and ticks don’t wait in the woods. They’re in your lawn, your garden, and sometimes, even inside your home.
Here’s how these parasites sneak in:
- Mosquitoes can fly long distances and are attracted to standing water (think bird baths, gutters, or puddles).
- Ticks hitch rides on mice, squirrels, deer, and other wildlife that pass through your yard.
- Both parasites are extremely small—ticks can be as tiny as a poppy seed in early stages.
So even if your dog just steps outside to go potty or sunbathe, they’re still at risk.
Protecting Your Pet From Backyard Threats
The good news? Both heartworm and Lyme disease are preventable—with consistent care.
Here’s what we recommend for pets in Cloquet:
- Year-round parasite prevention
Use a vet-recommended product that protects against both heartworms and ticks. We can help you find one that fits your pet’s needs and lifestyle.
- Annual testing
We recommend testing dogs for heartworm disease and tick-borne illnesses every year—even if they’re on prevention—just to be safe.
- Vaccinate for Lyme disease
Talk to us about whether your dog is a good candidate for the Lyme vaccine. Many pets in our area benefit from this added layer of protection.
- Check your pet daily for ticks
Especially after walks or time spent outside. Pay close attention to their ears, between toes, and under collars.
- Shop trusted preventatives from our online pharmacy
It’s convenient, safe, and backed by veterinary guidance.
Peace of Mind Starts in Your Own Backyard
Your backyard should be a place for fun, not fear. By staying on top of prevention, you’re giving your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life—free from hidden dangers like heartworm and Lyme disease.
If your pet isn’t already protected, now is the time. Schedule a wellness visit at Cloquet Animal Hospital by calling (218) 879-9280, and let’s make sure your dog or cat is covered before tick and mosquito season ramps up. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Image credit: Envato