Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes Can Bug Pets, Too!

Summer has officially arrived and all members of the family, including the four-legged variety, will be spending more time outdoors soaking up the sunshine. However, pesky pests such as ticks, fleas and mosquitoes can quickly ruin a warm-weather day, especially for pets such as dogs and cats that can’t quite protect themselves the same way people do.

Each of these pests poses different dangers for furry family members, but by employing some key prevention tips, owners can ensure their animals stay pest-free this summer.

TICKS

Ticks are often mistaken for insects, but they are actually arachnids. Regarding tick identification, they are classified into two categories: soft ticks and hard ticks. Soft ticks often feed on bats and birds, while hard ticks feed on humans, pets and nuisance wildlife.

If you are concerned about ticks on your property and have questions about tick removal, contact a pest professional.

Steps pet guardians can take include:

• Check your pets daily for ticks, especially if they spend time outdoors

• If you find a tick on your pet, remove it or have it removed by your veterinarian right away

• Ask your vet to conduct a tick check at each exam

• Talk to your vet about tickborne diseases in your area

• Reduce tick habitat in your yard

• Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventatives on your pet – there are a number of safe medications and prevention is the best medicine.

  Here is a video on how to remove a tick safely:

FLEAS

Dogs and cats most often get infested with fleas through contact with other animals or by spending time outdoors. Most pets experience itching from fleas, but some sensitive animals can have more severe reactions such as hair loss, inflammation and secondary skin infections. Flea saliva can also cause anemia, dermatitis, and facilitate the transfer of tapeworms. Because of fleas’ ability to jump great heights, they are easily able to hitchhike into homes while hidden in the fur of family pets. Once inside, fleas quickly multiply and infest bedding, furniture and clothing.

Because fleas can quickly become a big problem, prevention is the best way for pet owners to avoid a major headache. 

In addition to speaking with your veterinary expert, here are a few prevention TIPS to utilize in and around the home:

1. Bathe pets regularly.

2. Frequently wash human and pet bedding, pet collars and their plush toys.

3. Vacuum carpets, floors and furniture on a regular basis.

MOSQUITOS

One of the best known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and have an extremely fast life cycle allowing for quick population growth. Mosquito larvae hatch within a few days and a full adult develops in 10 to 14 days from hatching.

Just like humans, animals are at high risk for contracting severe illnesses as a result of mosquito bites. In addition to West Nile virus, heartworm is of most concern for pet owners, as each year thousands of dogs become disabled or die from problems caused by heartworm disease. Although heartworm is less fatal in cats, it can cause a number of problems such as weight loss, blindness, seizures, difficulty breathing and coughing.

In addition to speaking with your veterinary expert, here are a few prevention TIPS to use in and around the home:

1. Prevent mosquito nesting and breeding sites by eliminating standing water and other sources of moisture in or around the home in flowerpots, water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, baby pools, sandboxes, children’s toys and other objects that can collect water. Mosquitoes need only about ½ inch of water to breed. To keep birdbath and pond water fresh, homeowners should add a fountain or drip system.

2. Keep windows and doors properly screened. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.

3. Clean clogged gutters and periodically check them to ensure water is flowing freely.

4. Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

5. Ask veterinarians about bug repellents for pets before using them.