April Showers May Bring May Flowers…and Parasites 

We all love the promise of spring—greener pastures, blooming flowers, and longer days here in the high desert. However, as temperatures begin to rise, something else wakes up alongside those tulips: parasites.

April showers not only hydrate the soil but also create the perfect environment for fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and other unwelcome guests to emerge and become active. In a mixed animal community like ours, both small and large animals are at risk.

Small Animal Spring Surge

As moisture levels increase and soil temperatures warm, flea eggs hatch more quickly, and ticks become more active. Even if it doesn’t feel “hot” yet, parasites only need mild warmth to start their life cycle.

What we commonly observe this time of year includes:

• Fleas multiplying rapidly once indoors
• Ticks attaching during hikes, time in pastures, or backyard exposure
• Increased cases of roundworms and hookworms in young pets
• Tapeworms following flea exposure

Remember, it only takes one flea to initiate an infestation inside your home. If your pet’s preventive treatment “took the winter off,” now is the time to restart consistent protection.

Spring Moisture and Grazing

Spring moisture brings parasite larvae to the tops of pasture grasses, where grazing animals can ingest them. For our ranching community, this is especially crucial during:

• Calving
• Foaling
• Lambing
• Kidding season

Young animals are particularly vulnerable to heavy parasite burdens, which can negatively impact:

• Weight gain
• Milk production
• Immune strength
• Overall health

Strategic deworming, fecal testing, and pasture management are essential; it’s important to avoid blanket deworming without a plan.

Why Spring Matters

Parasites thrive in:

• Moist soil
• Mild temperatures
• Increased host movement (pets outside more and livestock rotating pastures)

Our unique desert climate can give a false sense of security, but once moisture levels rise and temperatures consistently hover above freezing, parasites can multiply rapidly.

Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment

Every year, we notice this pattern in spring:

• April: “It’s probably just allergies.”
• May: “Why is my pet scratching so much?”
• June: “How did we get fleas?!”

Although we don’t typically see a massive flea outbreak in our area, they are still a possibility. Prevention costs less—both financially and physically—than treating an infestation or illness caused by parasites.

What You Can Do Now

Here are some steps you can take:

• Restart or continue monthly flea and tick prevention
• Schedule annual fecal testing
• Discuss strategic deworming plans for livestock
• Check pets after hikes and exposure to pastures
• Keep yards and barns clean and dry whenever possible

Spring Is Busy Enough

With activities such as branding, turnout, gardening, rodeos, 4-H/FFA events, sports, and camping, the last thing anyone needs is parasites slowing them down. 

April showers may bring May flowers, but with the right prevention plan, they don’t have to bring parasites, too. If you have questions about your pet’s or herd’s spring parasite protection, our team is here to help you build a plan that fits your operation and lifestyle.

Stay ahead of the hatch!