Besides plenty of back and belly scratches, treats, and playtime, taking good care of our dogs includes watching out for pests that can harm them. Unfortunately, there are plenty of pests here in New York City that can cause serious problems for our four-legged best friends if we aren’t careful.
Below are eight critters that you may not have on your radar.
1. Centipedes
They sound harmless right? Wrong. Larger and colorful house centipedes can be quite dangerous to dogs. Though bites are rare, a playful puppy could get bitten, and the bite can be as painful as a bee sting. Extreme cases could result in tissue damage, muscle spasms, and even heart attacks. To keep centipedes out of your home, spray for bugs once a year and get rid of their food sources like flies, beetles, and bedbugs.
2. Bees and Wasps
A daring puppy might try to swat a bee or wasp. Typically, the worst your pup could suffer from a bee or wasp sting is a painful welt and some swelling. Treat stings by removing the stinger, cleaning the area with warm water, and applying ice to soothe. But as with humans, your dog could experience a severe reaction to the venom. Signs of a reaction include difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea, drooling, or even a collapse. If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.
3. Stink Bugs
Many think stink bugs won’t bite or sting your pet. However, if a curious pup comes across one and decides to snack on it, this can lead to digestive problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog has feasted on a whole lot of them, contact your vet — eating too many stink bugs could cause them to need surgery to their digestive system.
4. Caterpillars
If your dog spots a caterpillar crawling along on the sidewalk here, steer him or her away from it. These pests can sting and transmit venom. The wooly bear caterpillar, for example, has microscopic hairs that can get stuck in your dog’s mouth and throat, causing them to gag, cough, or drool excessively.
5. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are downright disgusting, but unfortunately, many homes across the city are infested with them. While they won’t directly harm your pup, they can carry diseases and are attracted to dog food. To reduce the possibility of an infestation, it’s best not to leave dog food out in bowls and clean up immediately after your pet has eaten.
6. Boxelder bugs
These pests can make your pooch feel sick if they ingest one or two. Fortunately for dog owners, they taste terrible, so dogs won’t want to eat too many. If your dog begins to vomit or has excessive salivation after eating a boxelder bug, consult your vet.
7. Mice and rats
It’s common for a rat or mouse to get into an apartment or brownstone here in the city. But what you don’t want to do is encourage your dog to chase or pin down a mouse or rat. Rodents often carry many diseases like toxoplasma and parasites that can be transferred to your dog. The best way to keep mice and rats at bay is to call a professional exterminator.
8. Raccoons
They may look cute, but they can be dangerous. Keep them away from your home, trash, and dogs because they will attack. Raccoons carry many diseases including rabies, which can be fatal to dogs. The best way to protect your beloved pooch from rabies is to make sure they get their rabies shot. Do not allow your dog to chase after or get close to a raccoon. If your dog gets into a scuffle with a raccoon, immediately take him or her to your vet for emergency care or treatment.
Even though NYC is ranked one of the best cities to walk your dog, there are still hazards and things you need to be cautious of. By keeping an eye out and taking preventative measures, you can keep your dog safe from even the lesser-known pesky critters here in the Big Apple.
Phot credit: Source
By Tammy Pitts
Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read and travel.
