Climate Trends Fuel Year-Round Risk

Connecticut’s milder winters and wetter springs are fueling record tick populations—experts report higher tick activity well beyond typical spring and summer seasons. “Ticks in Connecticut are now active year‑round” due to warmer winters and minimal prolonged frost. In Danbury alone, tick numbers surged by 78 % compared to last year—a concerning trend that mirrors statewide increases.

These conditions create an environment where preventing flea and tick exposure cannot be seasonal—it must be year‑round.

Local Dangers: Invasive and Disease-Carrying Ticks

Connecticut was the first U.S. state to detect the longhorned tick carrying Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the pathogen behind the potentially deadly illness ehrlichiosis. This invasive tick species has since expanded across Fairfield, New Haven, and other counties. It poses a serious threat not just to pets, but to humans too.

Meanwhile, the native blacklegged (deer) tick, pervasive throughout all Connecticut towns, continues to transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and other tick‑borne illnesses to pets.

Dogs often show symptoms like fever, joint stiffness, and lethargy from these infections. Cats, while less susceptible to Lyme disease, may suffer from hemobartonellosis, cytauxzoonosis, tularemia, and other serious tick‑borne threats.

The Risks to Pets (and Owners)

Flea-Related Health Concerns

• Itching and irritation: Flea bites can trigger allergic dermatitis and intense
• Anemia: In severe infestations, fleas can drain blood, particularly dangerous for kittens and older pets.
• Tapeworm transmission: Pets may ingest fleas carrying tapeworm larvae, leading to internal parasites.

Tick-Borne Diseases

• Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi): Leads to joint, neurological, or cardiac symptoms in dogs.
• Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis: Cause lethargy, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, bleeding disorders.
• Pets also bring ticks into the home, increasing health risks for

Prevention Strategies That Work

1.  Protect Your Pets Year-Round

No more seasonal switching—Connecticut advocates year‑round preventive treatments. Always:

• Use vet-approved preventives—oral medications (NexGard, Bravecto), topicals, or Seresto-style collars.
• Never give dog-specific treatments to cats; some contain chemicals that are toxic to cats.

2.  Inspect & Groom Regularly

• Daily check-ups for ticks—especially after outdoor time, check ears, paws, under collar, and belly.
• Flea combs/grooming help you spot fleas early, especially around neck and tail

3.  Maintain a Clean Environment

Both fleas and ticks thrive in:

• Leaf litter, tall grass, and brush—remove or trim these
• Create physical tick barriers using wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and
• Vacuum often, launder bedding, wash pet items in hot

4.  Yard Management & Landscaping Help

Connecticut’s Agricultural Experiment Station and pest experts recommend:

• Clearing leaf litter and
• Mowing grass
• Using natural methods like tick tubes or beneficial nematodes alongside chemical-free sprays to reduce tick numbers around your property.

Benefits of Staying Protected

• Prevents disease exposure: Early tick removal and continuous prevention drop infection risk drastically.
• Reduces environmental infestation: Breaking flea and tick life cycles protects your home and yard.
• Protects the whole family: Keeping pets parasite-free reduces tick entry into your home and minimizes human exposure.

Actionable Steps for Connecticut Pet Owners

In Summary

Connecticut’s changing climate and the expansion of disease-carrying invasive ticks make flea and tick prevention a year‑round necessity. Protecting your pets helps prevent uncomfortable infestations, serious health issues, and potential transmission to humans. By partnering with your vet and maintaining consistent prevention at home, field, and yard—you safeguard both furry family members and your entire household.