On December 17th, New York was hit by an epic snowstorm. I had the pleasure of working that day and was honestly surprised to see anyone who was willing to bring their pets to the hospital. But lo and behold, we saw a number of dogs and cats who came for their scheduled appointments or same-day visits. For me personally, the most notable patient that day was a young adult West Highland White Terrier. I have a soft spot in my heart for Westies since my first-ever dog growing up, Phoebe, was a Westie. She was the best Chanukah present my parents could have ever gotten me, and she helped make for a wonderful first-grade year.
Although the Westie (whose owner braved through the near one foot of snow to make it to the clinic) was doing well at home, and his owner did not have any pressing concerns besides wanting to get him his annual exam and up-to-date on vaccines, I spotted a deer tick on his neck who looked like he was having a nice and juicy bloodmeal. Mind you, this was in the middle of a blizzard! Some people opt to not keep their dogs on year-round flea and tick preventative, citing that they only wish to use topical spot-on products, chewables, or collars in the spring and summertime. Let this be another lesson that “tick season” does not depend on the calendar month — anytime that the temperate is above freezing, there is a risk!
