05/23/2026
# Keeping Pets Safe This Season: Fleas, Ticks, Rabies & Bird Flu Awareness
As the weather warms and pets spend more time outdoors, we naturally begin seeing an increase in seasonal concerns like fleas and ticks — but this year, veterinarians and public health officials are also reporting increased awareness surrounding rabies exposure and avian influenza (bird flu) in wildlife populations across parts of New England.
At Calypso's Pet Salon, pet wellness and safety have always gone hand in hand with grooming. While regular grooming appointments are an important part of coat and skin health, prevention and early awareness at home are equally important.
# # Fleas & Ticks: More Than Just a Nuisance
Fleas and ticks are becoming increasingly active earlier in the season and remaining active later into the fall due to milder temperatures. Beyond discomfort and itching, these parasites can transmit serious illnesses to both pets and humans.
Ticks in particular can carry:
* Lyme disease
* Anaplasmosis
* Ehrlichiosis
* Babesiosis
Fleas may contribute to:
* Skin infections
* Allergic reactions
* Tapeworm transmission
* Severe irritation and coat damage
Even indoor pets are not completely immune, as fleas and ticks can hitch rides inside on clothing, shoes, or other pets.
# # # What We Recommend
We strongly encourage clients to work closely with their veterinarian regarding prescription flea and tick prevention appropriate for their pet’s lifestyle, age, and health needs.
While we do not offer flea or tick baths in the salon, we do carry and use gentle natural repellents that may help support your pet’s protection routine alongside veterinarian-prescribed preventatives.
These products are not replacements for veterinary care or prescription prevention, but many clients enjoy incorporating them as an additional layer of support during peak flea and tick season.
# # Rabies Awareness Is Especially Important
Rabies remains rare in vaccinated pets, but wildlife and stray cat exposure continues to be a concern throughout New England. Raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and other wild animals can carry the virus, and increased wildlife activity often means increased risk of exposure for curious pets.
Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, which makes prevention absolutely critical.
# # # Ways to Help Protect Your Pet
* Keep rabies vaccinations current
* Avoid allowing pets to interact with wildlife
* Supervise outdoor time whenever possible
* Report unusually behaving wildlife to local authorities
* Contact your veterinarian immediately if exposure is suspected
As groomers, we are legally and ethically required to maintain current rabies vaccination records for pets entering the salon. This policy exists to help protect pets, clients, and grooming staff alike.
# # Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) & Pets
Avian influenza — commonly referred to as bird flu — has recently gained increased attention due to outbreaks affecting wild bird populations and occasional transmission concerns involving mammals.
While the risk to most household pets remains relatively low, veterinarians are advising pet owners to exercise caution, particularly with:
* Outdoor cats
* Dogs that interact with waterfowl or deceased birds
* Pets fed raw poultry diets
* Hunting or sporting dogs
# # # Safety Tips
* Prevent pets from interacting with sick or dead birds
* Avoid allowing pets to drink from stagnant outdoor water sources
* Keep cats indoors whenever possible
* Practice good hygiene after handling birds or wildlife
* Consult your veterinarian before feeding raw diets
# # Grooming Plays a Role in Prevention
Routine grooming appointments help us monitor your pet’s skin, coat, ears, and overall condition more closely. Early signs of flea activity, skin irritation, hotspots, or unusual changes are often easier to spot during regular maintenance appointments.
At Calypso's Pet Salon, we believe grooming is part of a larger wellness routine — one centered around comfort, cleanliness, prevention, and compassionate care.
As always, if you have concerns about parasites, wildlife exposure, or your pet’s health, your veterinarian should be your first point of contact.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and give your pets an extra cuddle from us this season.
