Discover how to protect your dog from mosquitoes so you can keep them safe from itchiness, discomfort, and, possibly, parasitic diseases. Learn more here!
A dog’s bark is often bigger than its bite but the same can’t be said for mosquitoes. They have a characteristic buzz that lets you know when they’re near. And apart from the pesky itches and welts that humans and dogs get from mosquito bites, dogs are also at risk of developing heartworm disease and other serious parasitic illnesses. So, how to protect your dog from mosquitoes?
Here, we discuss four things you can do to prevent your pet from skin irritation, possible heartworm transmission, and other potentially harmful effects of mosquito bites.
When it comes to how to protect your dog from mosquitoes, the first step is to get in touch with your vet and ask about pet-safe mosquito repellents.
There are mosquito repellent products that come as sprays. You’re meant to spray them on your dog before outdoor activities and outings. You may also need to reapply these products every few hours, so check the product instructions.
Spot-on treatments are another common option that protect your dog from mosquitoes as well as other pests and insects such as fleas, ticks, lice, sand flies, and stable flies.
And remember — mosquito repellents that are generally safe for humans may contain ingredients that are toxic for dogs. So, to prevent health complications, always use mosquito repellent for dogs that have been specifically designed for canines.
Pull Quote: Mosquito repellents that are generally safe for humans may contain ingredients that are toxic for dogs. So, to prevent health complications, always use mosquito repellent for dogs that have been specifically designed for canines.
It’s fairly common to ask food-related questions like, “Can dogs eat dragon fruit seeds?” and “Are grapes a safe snack for my dog?” But you also have to be mindful of your dog’s everyday environment so you can make it as safe as possible. This way, you prevent exposing your pet to mosquitoes, parasites, pests, and other harmful insects.
Protect a dog from mosquitoes by observing or researching when mosquitoes are more active in the places you regularly visit. For example, you and your dog might be used to morning strolls around the neighborhood or an evening walk in the park. Be mindful of when mosquitoes swarm the place so you can modify your schedule.
On a related note, be sure to stay away from still and stagnant water at dawn and at dusk. These are when mosquitoes are most active. Hence, walking nearby could result in excessive mosquito bites for you and your dog.
How to protect your dog from mosquitoes at home? To keep mosquitoes away from your home, keep your house clean and well-maintained. You want to make sure that mosquitoes can’t easily get inside. So, check all your doors and windows for cracks, holes, and tears. Repair or replace them as necessary and as soon as possible. You might also want to consider adding screens on the windows and doors for additional protection.
On a related note, check your home for stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. This is more common in the backyard. Some examples are bird baths, empty flower pots, artificial ponds, kiddie pools, and swimming pools.
Fortunately, there are simple yet effective ways to manage mosquitoes in your backyard. You can treat the area with a deterrent spray or natural mosquito repellents, such as citronella candles. You can also add mosquito-repellent plants to your garden, such as basil, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, marigold, mint, and sage.
Pull Quote: To provide your dog with optimal protection from mosquitoes, talk to your vet about heartworm medication and treatment options.
Generally speaking, mosquito bites don’t need treatment — the raised skin lesions usually fade on their own over time. However, if your dog develops hives, it might be a sign of an allergic reaction. You also have to be wary of heartworm disease. While not all mosquitoes are carriers, some of them can transmit heartworms with a single bite.
You can be more confident in how to protect my dog from mosquitoes if you schedule regular visits to the vet. Considering how mosquitoes are often the carriers of heartworm disease in dogs, routine check-ups can detect this health issue early on so you can address it.
Note that it’s virtually impossible to bring your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes to zero. After all, these bloodsucking insects are part of the ecosystem. But for your dog’s health and safety, you have to talk to your vet about heartworm medication and treatment options. This way, you can provide optimal protection from mosquitoes.
Got other preventative measures to protect dogs from mosquito bites? Share them in the comments below.