Unfortunately, with the warm weather we start seeing mosquitos again. They have a history of spreading a variety of diseases, including West Nile virus, malaria, and a host of others. But they also carry diseases to animals. Pet owners must therefore be aware of the harm and illness they can inflict on their animals.
A serious condition known as heartworm disease causes severe lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage. When untreated, it usually kills dogs, cats, and ferrets. A mosquito suckers up the tiny heartworm microfilaria (larvae) when it bites an animal with heartworms. These larvae continue to grow inside the mosquito, which then transmits the parasite to its subsequent victims.
The larvae mature into adult heartworms in about 6 to 7 months. After mating, the adult heartworms release their young into the dog’s bloodstream. A heartworm lives for 5 to 7 years inside a dog. Adult heartworms look like strands of cooked spaghetti. Male worms grow to a length of 4 to 6 inches, while females grow to a length of 10 to 12 inches.
How to Protect Your Dog from Mosquito Bites and Heartworm Disease
You can’t keep your dog in a bubble. They need to take advantage of nature and live fulfilling lives. Although it is impossible to completely avoid mosquitoes, you can take precautions to reduce your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes and their risk of contracting heartworm disease.
The following four steps will help you avoid dog mosquito bites and dog heartworm disease:
Giving your dog their monthly heartworm preventative is the first and most crucial step. Continuous protection is your pet’s best line of defense against heartworm disease; however, missing a dose can increase their risk for infection, so be sure to mark your calendar. Which product is best for you and your pet family can be determined with the assistance of your family veterinarian.
Making your yard less conducive to mosquitoes is another action you can take to prevent mosquito bites on dogs. These flying pests can be kept at bay and kept from bothering your pet with citronella candles and grass.
Mosquitoes have a very keen sense of smell. Mosquitoes detest the smell of citronella, as well as rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and lemon eucalyptus. Make sure your pets don’t get into these because that could lead to another emergency. Additionally, using essential oils indoors could be dangerous for cats.
Mild Risks of Mosquito Bites on Dogs
The following are some minor dangers that can result from dog mosquito bites:
Mosquito bites frequently cause itching and pain in dogs, just like they do in humans. If your dog gets bitten by a mosquito, it will probably result in a raised welt similar to what would appear on a human and may be very itchy until it goes away. Depending on the breed, your dogs may have a coat that reduces the number of bites (dogs with longer hair are less likely to be bitten than those with short coats).
Check for mosquito bites if you see your dog scratching a lot and finding that she is concentrating on one area.
Can Dogs Get Mosquito Bites Like We Do?
You are much more likely to notice mosquito bites than your dog, which is a significant difference when it comes to getting them. For whatever reason, many dogs dont seem as bothered. They are not considering the fact that these insects are sucking their blood, possibly spreading disease, and possibly leaving behind unsightly, raised welts.
Your dogs fur isnt much of a deterrent either, says Cassan Pulaski, PhD, acting director of the Parasitology Diagnostic Lab at the University of Georgia Department of Infectious Diseases. A mosquitos proboscis (the pointy, blood-sucking part) can go right past a thick layer of fur. A mosquito may choose to go for more vulnerable parts of a dog, like the ears, nose, mouth, and belly, but bites can happen almost anywhere on a dog.
FAQ
Can mosquitoes make a dog sick?
Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and systemic lupus erythematosus are just a few of the potentially fatal illnesses that mosquitoes can spread to your dog. Thankfully, these illnesses are extremely uncommon, but if you observe any alarming symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or fever, contact your veterinarian right away.
What happens when a mosquito bites your dog?
In dogs, mosquito bites can result in swelling, redness, and hives, but the bite itself is not likely to have any long-term effects. Heartworm disease in dogs is the most typical issue brought on by a mosquito bite. If the mosquito has heartworm larvae, your pet could contract this dangerous condition.
How do I protect my dog from mosquitoes?
- Use Screens In Your Doors and Windows.
- Remove Standing Water in Your Yard.
- Practice Yard Hygiene.
- Talk to Your Neighbors.
- Use Outdoor Fans.
- Avoid Mosquito Active Hours.
- Don’t Use DEET Repellants.
- Essential Oils As an Alternative Repellant.
How do dogs react to mosquitoes?
“Mosquito bites in dogs are similar to humans,” Dr. McCullough says. “They can cause redness, swelling and itchiness that is temporary. In rare instances, some dogs may be allergic to mosquito bites and experience more severe reactions like face swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis. ”.