Mild weather could affect your pet

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The mild winter temperatures are a welcome change for many people, but pet owners need to be aware. That's because the warmer weather means ticks are out earlier than usual.

The risk of ticks during the winter is typically low, but at the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield, they are seeing problems they don't normally see this time of year.

“We are seeing a lot of fleas right now. I'm not seeing a lot of ticks, but I'm seeing evidence of ticks. Just saw a dog this week that had Lyme disease which we rarely see in the winter,” said adoption center veterinarian Dr. Lauren Atkins.

Dr. Atkins recommends people use the monthly flea and tick prevention medication recommended by their veterinarians.

She also says it's a good idea to check your animals like you would during the summer.