Mosquitoes are a nuisance for us humans, but did you know our beloved four-legged buddies can also fall victim to the tiny biting creatures? Not only are mosquitoes a bother, but they are also disease vectors for our canine friends. But worry not –– in this article, we’ll give you tips on how to protect your dog from mosquitoes.
Why Protecting Your Dog is Important
Do mosquitoes bite dogs? Yes, and protecting your furry friend from skeeters is a matter of keeping them stress-free and disease-free. Mosquito bites can cause red, itchy bumps on your dog. But beyond that, a significant concern is the transmission of heartworm disease, which is potentially fatal.
According to the American Heartworm Society, you should suspect heartworm disease in your dog if you notice:
If you notice any of these signs, run to your trusted vet. Other mosquito-borne diseases that can also occur in pets (like dogs and cats) are West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Although less common than heartworm disease, these can also cause severe symptoms.
How to Protect Your Dog From Mosquitoes
Now that you know how dangerous mosquito bites can be to your doggo, let’s talk about how to prevent them.
Remove Standing Water Sources
One of the key aspects of mosquito control is preventing mosquitoes from establishing themselves near your home area. Since mosquitoes are not the best at long-distance running (or flying), they prefer to stay close to their breeding grounds.
So if you find a skeeter buzzing around your home, that might be a sign of nearby sources of standing water in your yard. Here are some maintenance tips to prevent that:
Environmental Improvements
Even if you have successfully taken care of any standing water sources in your yard, pesky mosquitoes from neighboring areas can still find a way around your home. For such cases, there are practical ways to safeguard your pet’s living area against mosquitoes:
There are also essential oils and sprays –– like citronella products, for example –– that are effective at warding off mosquitoes. But when opting for those, keep in mind they should not be used close to your dog’s area or directly on your dog, as they can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal reactions.
Shield Your Dog Against Mosquitoes
Maybe you’re planning a hike or a trip to the park –– mosquitoes will most likely be there as well. In such cases, the environment is not under your control. But not all is lost. Here’s how you can protect the furry members of your family even when you’re away from home:
An important note: Regular insect repellents that contain DEET may be safe for us but are very dangerous to our pets. They can cause serious harm and, in some cases, even neurological problems can occur.
Keep Your Friend Safe
Dogs are undoubtedly a man’s best friend, and safeguarding them from pesky mosquitoes is a great way to express our appreciation for their loyalty. Now you know how to do it, and surely your pet will thank you with unconditional love and by just being his joyful self. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted veterinarian.
photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/ShLDezSsZJk?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink
Graduated from the University of Brasília, Teresa Joaquim is a creative writer with a background in psychological science research. When not writing, she is either singing, reading poetry, or cuddling her little one-eyed black cat. Teresa Joaquim
