09/09/2026
🟤🍂 Late‑summer allergies and parasites are in full swing here in NEPA — and our pets are feeling it. Warm, humid weather keeps seasonal allergies, fleas, ticks, and even scabies active well into September, and we’re seeing a noticeable uptick at the clinic.
🐾 Allergies & Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Dogs and cats can develop flea allergies at any age — even if they’ve never had skin issues before. Flea allergy dermatitis causes intense itching, hair loss, and secondary infections.
Effective care means:
• Eliminating existing fleas
• Treating the home environment
• Staying consistent with vet‑recommended preventives
As veterinary dermatology resident Veronica Izydorczyk notes, “Fleas can also spread diseases and parasites to both pets and humans, including tapeworms and bartonella, a bacterium that can cause cat scratch disease.”
🪳 Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange) on the Rise
We’re seeing more cases of scabies — a highly contagious mite that causes severe itching, crusting, and hair loss. It spreads quickly between pets and can affect humans, too. Early treatment prevents long, uncomfortable recoveries.
🐱 Cat Scratch Fever (Bartonella)
With flea activity high, cat scratch fever risk rises as well. Bartonella is carried by fleas and can be transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats. Keeping cats on monthly flea prevention is one of the best ways to reduce risk.
🦟 Ticks & Mosquitoes Still Active
Even as nights cool down, ticks and mosquitoes remain active — meaning continued risk for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and heartworm.
If your pet is itchy, losing fur, shaking their head, or suddenly more irritated than usual, it’s a good time for a check‑in.
📞 Highland Veterinary Clinic
(570) 616‑4244
📍 1079 Texas Palmyra Highway, Honesdale (next to Aaron’s)
🌐 highlandvetcare.com
