How To Protect Pets From Mosquitoes

Pet lovers everywhere know the dangers associated with mosquitoes. Disease-carrying mosquitoes are common in all parts of the country. So it’s not surprising that many pets contract diseases from contact with infected mosquitoes. While ticks and fleas can cause problems for pets, mosquitoes are particularly troublesome. Mosquitoes spread disease widely and quickly, and they are more common in most backyards than ticks or fleas. One of the most important ways to protect your pets from mosquitoes is to use preventative heart-worm treatments. But if you really want to protect your pets, you’ve got to go after the mosquitoes themselves.

Undercover During Dusk

Most dog owners are aware that heart-worms spread through mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal—often wild canines—they can pick up the larvae. Those larvae are then deposited in their next blood meal. If that’s your dog, they could be in trouble. Mosquitoes in many parts of the country are active and considered dangerous to pets year-round. One strategy that has proven successful is keeping your pets away from contact with mosquitoes. Pet owners can simply keep pets indoors during certain times of the day. Keeping pets inside and during dusk, dawn, and early evening when mosquitoes are most active is typically the best strategy. This is an ineffective way to keep pets safe, but it’s more of a concession to the mosquitoes than a long-term solution.

Perfect Breeding Ground

Another way of reducing the chances of coming into contact with disease-spreading mosquitoes is to reduce the mosquito population. You’ll need to focus on areas around the home with standing water. This not only protects pets but also protects humans from pesky mosquitoes. Even a small amount of standing water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make it a habit after every rainfall to check the areas where water might accumulate. Downspouts, patio furniture, toys, and gardening equipment can all hold small puddles. If you can empty those little pools of water, you can significantly decrease mosquito populations.

Changing Outdoor Pet Bowls

Water bowls left outdoors for dogs or other animals can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Frequently changing any outdoor water bowls can reduce the chances of pets contracting a disease from a mosquito bite. In some instances, it may be necessary to change bowls two or three times each day during peak mosquito season. Pet owners should also be cautious using commercially available mosquito control products on pets. Dogs and cats can be very sensitive to some of the chemicals used in topical mosquito control products. Never assume that a bug control product made for humans is safe for pets. Instead, stick to repellents made specifically for your type of pet.

Conscientious And Responsible Pet Ownership

Talk with your pet care professional to learn which insect control products are best for your pet. There are many safe mosquito repellents on the market that can protect your pets without causing a toxic reaction. Never assume that a substance is safe for pets if you haven’t researched it. For instance, you should exercise caution using home remedies such as essential oils. In every case, the best strategy is to talk with your pet care professional to know for sure what is safe. Being a conscientious and responsible pet owner means staying proactive when about mosquito bite prevention. To keep pets safe, we recommend keeping mosquitoes out of your yard with the ClearZone™ mosquito misting service from Mr. Mister.