Mosquitoes pose a significant threat to humans and animals. These pesky insects are not just a nuisance; they can cause irritation and transmit a variety of diseases to animals, including your furry companions. Mosquito-borne illnesses like heartworm disease can have devastating effects on pets. Protecting your pets from the dangers of mosquitoes through preventive measures is crucial to ensuring their well-being and keeping them safe from the harm of mosquito-borne diseases.
Heartworms
According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), more than a million pets in the United States have heartworm disease. The AHS released its 2022 Heartworm Incidence Map which shows a growing trend in heartworm infections throughout the United States.
Mosquitoes are the only known carriers of heartworm disease. An infected mosquito transmits the larvae to a dog’s bloodstream during a bite. These tiny parasites reside in a dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Prevention through regular heartworm medication and professional mosquito control is crucial to safeguard your dog’s health and well-being.
Skin Irritation
Skin irritation in dogs due to mosquito bites is a common concern. Mosquitoes inject saliva containing various proteins and enzymes into a host when they bite. Dogs may scratch or chew at the area of a bite, potentially causing further irritation. Common signs of skin irritation in dogs after a mosquito bites include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Discomfort
How to Protect Your Pets from Mosquito Bites
Use a Pet-Friendly Bug Spray
Protecting your pets from mosquito bites is important to prevent skin irritation and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. When choosing a pet-friendly bug spray, it’s essential to select products specifically designed for animals, as some ingredients in human bug sprays, such as DEET, can be harmful to pets.
Keep Pets Inside During Peak Mosquito Time
Mosquito activity peaks in the mornings and at night. Try to keep your pets inside when mosquito activity is high. By taking these precautions and being mindful of when and where your pets spend time outdoors, you can help protect them from mosquito bites and potential health risks.
Remove Standing Water
Removing standing water is important for controlling mosquito populations because mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. By eliminating these breeding sites, you can significantly reduce the mosquito populations in your area and help protect your pets from mosquitoes.
Use a Professional Mosquito Control Service to Protect Your Pets
Using a professional mosquito control service, like MissQuito, offers several advantages over attempting to manage mosquito populations on your own. While DIY mosquito control methods can be effective to some extent, professional services bring expertise, specialized service, and a consistent, comprehensive approach to mosquito control. With MissQuito, you can rest assured knowing the products we use are safe for your family and your pets!