Mosquitoes and Pets

Those pesky bugs! Mosquitos not only annoy humans during the summer months, they also annoy our four-legged friends! Mosquitoes and dogs are NOT a good match!

I recently traveled to my parent’s house to celebrate Mother’s Day. While I was there, I noticed that my mom’s “shadow,” her King Charles Cavalier named Thor, was intensely scratching her behind. Not only was she using her back legs to scratch, as we see most dogs do, but she was also using her front legs to pull her rear end across the carpet in an effort to get rid of the itch. I asked my mom what was wrong with her pooch. Her best guess: a few mosquitoes had tormented poor Thor.

How can we protect our furry friends this summer? Below are a few tips to help reduce the amount of those pesky insects in your yard:

• Check to see if there are any puddles or stagnant water spots. These areas are popular breeding grounds for mosquitos, and they thrive in those places. Disperse standing water by sweeping it away. And don’t forget to empty containers that collect rainwater—every time it rains.
• When taking walks, avoid going into marshy areas during the summer. To really protect against bugs and other insects, avoid the woods areas as well. My family sticks to the roads in the neighborhood during this time of year.
• Mosquitos are the most active in the early morning and early evening. If these insects really seem to bother your pet, keep it indoors during these parts of the day.

For other suggestions, consult your veterinarian. Everyone, even our animals, want to enjoy the summer without all of the itching!

Share this article with your pet-loving friends!