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STATEWIDE -- While many of us enjoyed the mild winter, veterinarians said as a result, our pets run a greater risk of being bit by vessel bugs, or bugs that carry disease. They said the milder than usual temperatures this winter failed to kill off larvae, increasing the number of bugs this spring and summer.

The ominous vessel bug, the mosquito, poses grave danger to both cats and dogs by passing on heart worm. And unfortunately, there are more vessel bugs to contend with. One local veterinarian said pet owners also need to be wary of ticks, which can transmit lyme disease.

"Usually we say seasonally, so spring and fall for tick prevention, summer for flee prevention, kind of cater to each person's needs. This year we kind of had to use it all year around, and that was surprising for us," said Melinda Schwoegler, veterinarian.

Schwoegler said animal owners should check their pet's coats for ticks anytime the animal has been in high, grassy areas. She said it is also critical to administer monthly heart worm pills to dogs.