The summertime weather brings a great deal of opportunities to have fun outside with your pup, however it also brings mosquitoes.Do dogs get bit by mosquitoes,when the mosquito population increases and your dog is outdoors.
The capacity for mosquito bites is much higher in the warmer months, and that can be quite unsafe.The dangers can be even greater if you live in a location with a moist humid environment and a mosquito season that lasts all year.
Luckily, there are some steps you can take to avoid your dog from being bitten by things and mosquitoes you can do to deal with mosquito bites.
Here are some of the dangers of mosquito bites for dogs, some preventative procedures you can take, and some methods to deal with mosquito bites on dogs when you spot them.
Mosquito Bite Dangers For Dogs
Mosquitoes can spread out and bring plenty of nasty diseases to both people and canines. Luckily for our puppies, there are a lot of human diseases that are spread out through mosquito bites that are not contagious to canines.
Nevertheless, there are still risks to watch out for. Mosquito bites can trigger the list below conditions in pets.
1. Heartworm
Heartworm is a potentially deadly parasite that can be spread out by a single mosquito bite. Once the parasite’s larva gets in the bloodstream, it can trigger significant issues in the heart, blood vessels, and lungs.
Adult worms can grow to a foot in length and reside in canines for seven years. As much as 250 can reside in one pet. Make sure your pet is dealt with to avoid heartworm before the start of mosquito season.
Here are some symptoms of heartworm:
Coughing
Tiredness
Difficulty Breathing
Weight reduction
Bulging chest
Collapse
2. West Nile Virus
The West Nile virus in humans can be rather major, however the impacts are normally milder in pets.
That stated, the signs can be rather extreme for some dogs, specifically those with compromised body immune systems, implying pet dogs, seniors, and pups who currently struggle with a medical condition or receive immunosuppressant drugs.
Seldom, pet dogs can develop sleeping sickness, a potentially lethal condition of swelling in the brain. The symptoms of West Nile virus are in some cases misinterpreted for those of influenza.
Here are a few of the signs of West Nile virus that appear in canines:
Fever
Muscle pain
Weak point
Skin rash
Inflamed lymph nodes
3. Allergic Reactions
The majority of canines, like humans, will get an inflamed, scratchy bump at the site of a mosquito bite. Nevertheless, some dogs might experience a more serious allergy that needs instant medical attention.
If your pet dog shows signs of a severe allergic reaction after being bitten by a mosquito, contact your vet or emergency veterinary healthcare facility right away.
Here are some symptoms of an extreme allergy in canines:
Swelling, specifically of the face
Hives
Anorexia nervosa
Lethargy
Problem breathing
4. Uncommon Diseases
Although unusual, there are other diseases that can spread through mosquito bites, and you need to constantly remain vigilant and take safety measures to prevent them.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are two such illness. Once again, pets with jeopardized immune systems, including pups, senior citizens, and dogs with medical conditions or medications that affect the immune system, are at greater danger.
If you discover abnormalities in behavior or cognition, or if any unusual symptoms appear in your dog, contact your vet immediately.
Tips To Protect Your Dog From Mosquito Bites
When it comes to illness spread by mosquitoes, the very best service is prevention.
There are many methods to minimize the possibilities of your pet being bitten by mosquitoes, even during the summer season when you and your puppy want to invest more time outside, and there are steps you can take to prevent diseases from contaminating your dog if they do take place to get bitten.
Here are some pointers to protect your dog from mosquito bites.
1. Update Heartworm Treatment
Whatever course of heartworm treatment you and your vet have decided to provide to your dog, ensure it’s up-to-date and your canine is safeguarded.
Some pet dog owners pick medication, while others count on natural services. But whatever you choose, ensure your pet dog is treated. Heartworm can eliminate canines, so it’s extremely important that you take preventative procedures.
There’s no perfect method to avoid all mosquito bites, and heartworm prevention treatment might be your pet dog’s last line of defense.
2. During Peak Hours (Dusk To Dawn) Stay Indoors
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so it may be best to stroll your pet dog at other times of day when the mosquitoes aren’t so aggressive.
Keep your pet dog inside as much as you can, and make sure that the windows and doors are closed. If you have any screens, make sure that they’re in good shape, and repair or block any holes that mosquitoes may be able to survive.
3. Use Dog-Safe Insect Repellent
Never apply human insect spray on your pet. There are a number of bug sprays on the market that are specifically developed for canines, and your veterinarian can suggest some that will be proper for your pooch.
There are also some natural solutions that may work for your pet, too, and you ought to go over these with your veterinarian. Some natural bug spray for canines include lemon eucalyptus oil, geranium oil and soybean oil, thyme, clove oil, and neem oil.
Once again, you must NOT utilize any of these products without first consulting your veterinarian.
4. Get Rid Of Standing Water
Mosquitoes reproduce in standing water, that includes puddles, ponds, outside canine bowls, and bird baths. Anywhere that water or irrigation water can pool and collect can be a mosquito haven.
If you have any of these on your home, understand that they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and your pet dog is at much greater danger for bites.
You may want to think about reducing the variety of places where water can pool on your home.
5. Grow Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
There are a number of plants that function as natural mosquito repellents, and planting a couple of on your property might minimize your pet’s chances of getting bitten.
Some plants that are understood to ward off mosquitoes consist of lavender, catnip, basil, lemon balm, peppermint, and rosemary.
There are other plants that can push back mosquitoes, however they might be toxic to dogs. Constantly do your research study before gardening in your backyard if you have a canine.
Treatment For Mosquito Bites On Dogs
Even if you take preventative measures, mosquito bites can happen. Now we know,when we ask ourselves,do dogs get bit by mosquitoes, keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms, particularly those noted above, and take your pet to see the veterinarian if anything is out of the regular.
In the meantime, it’s crucial that you treat your canine’s mosquito bites and decrease irritation. An itchy dog can chew and scratch at mosquito bites, which can cause additional injury and secondary infections.
There are dog-safe lotions for mosquito bites on the marketplace, and for serious itching, your vet can supply steroids that may minimize the itching. However, lots of canine owners choose to treat mosquito bites naturally, and you need to ask your veterinarian about those alternatives, also.
Some natural treatments to decrease itching caused by mosquito bites on canines consist of milk of oatmeal, magnesia and water, and baking soda and water. As always, do not utilize these items without consulting your veterinarian.
If all else fails, you may want to consider offering your canine an Elizabethan collar (AKA the cone of shame) to prevent more injury or infection.
