How to Protect Your Pets from Mosquitos

Americans love pets. So much so that The American Pet Products Association reports that Americans spent approximately $97.5 billion dollars on their pets in 2019 with that number estimated to increase in 2020. As a pet parent, you want to keep your pets safe from ticks, mosquitos, and other pests that may carry harmful diseases. These are some of the steps you can take to protect your pets from mosquitoes.

Start at the Source

Having a big, fenced-in yard is a dream for most dog owners. Your dog can enjoy running and playing without you having to worry about accidental escape or rope burn from a wayward tieout. Help your furry best friend get the most enjoyment out of your space by protecting your yard against mosquitos. You can use DIY mosquito prevention tips like removing standing water and flushing gutters or call in the professionals for a mosquito treatment spray for your yard.

Don’t Forget the Water Dish

It’s important to provide your pets with plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months, but make sure to change the water often. Pet water dishes can make ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes if left undisturbed for too long.

Take Preventative Medicines

Mosquitoes can carry all types of nasty bacteria, viruses, and parasites from host to host. Luckily for our fuzzy friends, dogs and cats can’t get most illness passed to humans by mosquitoes. What is a concern, however, is heartworm. While dogs are more susceptible to heartworm infections, mosquito bites can also pass heartworm to cats making it important to make sure all pets are treated with a regular heartworm prevention medication.

Use Pet-Safe Mosquito Repellents

Traditional mosquito repellents are filled with harsh chemicals making it a bad idea to use on pets. DEET can make pets very ill.  If you’re going into an area where you know you won’t be able avoid mosquitoes, look into alternative remedies. There are many natural, pet-safe mosquito repellent formulas that can be sprayed on pets to prevent bites. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions on what will work best for your pet. Another option is to use a Thermacell or similar repellent device that creates a virtually mosquito-free zone without the use of sprays, coils, candles, or other fragrance-dependent methods.

Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours and Locations

When walking your pets, try to avoid early dusk when mosquitoes tend to appear in swarms. Likewise, when planning your route strive to avoid marshy, swampy, or otherwise wet areas. This is where mosquitoes breed and thrive and these areas are most likely to have large mosquito populations.

Your pet is part of your family. Make sure they can enjoy your home as much as you do by calling 734-922-5700 today to get a free quote on a professional mosquito treatment spray!

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