Mosquito Protection For Dogs & Cats

Mosquito Protection For Dogs & Cats

 

There are many steps people take to keep their pets happy and healthy. We choose the right kind of food, make sure they get plenty of exercise and get them to regular checkups at the veterinarian. However, sometimes even that isn't enough. There are parasites so tiny we don’t even know when they might be causing harm to our animals. Even though these little insects can make us nervous to think about, there are many things that can be done to help protect your dogs and cats from mosquitoes.

Protect Your Family Members From Mosquito Bites
Protect your family members from mosquito bites.

The Danger of Mosquitoes

Pets have some natural protection against mosquitoes thanks to fur, but your dog’s or cat’s ears and nose are still exposed. Because dogs spend more time outside, they have a greater exposure time to being bitten by mosquitoes. They experience the same irritating itch humans feel from a bite, but mosquitoes also can carry harmful parasites and diseases. That’s why mosquito control for pets is so important.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is the greatest concern when it comes to mosquitoes biting your dog or cat. This disease is caused by a tiny worm that lives in animals’ hearts and veins. Heartworm disease spreads when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites a second animal. Heartworm offspring can be carried from one creature to the next. Once inside your cat or dog, it can grow to a foot long.

Heartworm in the US & Canada
Heartworm has been confirmed in all 50 states and throughout Canada, and nearly 250,000 dogs are treated each year for heartworm infections.

Other Illnesses Carried by Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes carry other diseases, including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. While these diseases can be deadly, they are rare in cats and dogs. It is unlikely that most pet owners will need to identify symptoms for these diseases, as cases are not found that often. Despite the rarity, it’s important to take whatever steps you can to protect your pet.

WARNING: Don’t Use Human Mosquito Products on Pets

While you might have found mosquito repellents that work well for yourself, it’s important not to use DEET and other products on your dogs or cats. These items could be toxic and very harmful to your pets. DEET alternatives also are not safe for pets and are often not effective because they are oil-based and don’t really kill the mosquitoes. DEET was first used on U.S. soldiers serving in areas highly infested with insects.

By 1957, the product was on shelves and available to anyone in the general population. If your dog or cat comes in contact with DEET, either orally or on their skin, they could show severe symptoms, such as vomiting, seizures, skin irritation and a staggered gait. It is very important that they be taken to a veterinarian immediately if they are exposed to DEET. Even other products that are DEET alternatives can contain oils that can cause irritation on animals. Not all mosquito repellents are safe for pets, so be sure to avoid anything that isn’t specifically made for animals.

Traditional & Over-the-Counter Mosquito Control Methods

Mosquito Control for Dogs

Monthly treatments to prevent flies, fleas and mosquitoes from attacking your pets are available online or at most pet stores. K9 Advantix II is a common treatment used as a mosquito repellent for dogs. Not only does it kill mosquitoes that might try to bite your dog, but it also keeps them from getting close with its full-spectrum protection. The clear product is applied directly to your dog’s skin in various spots and it provides a full 30 days of protection. It’s very important that cats avoid any contact with K9 Advantix II, because even though it’s a helpful mosquito repellent for dogs, it’s toxic to felines.

If you have both dogs and cats in your house, keep them separate until the product dries completely on your dog. This can take about 15 minutes or so. Also, be sure the cats don’t try to groom the dog in the areas the mosquito repellent has been applied. You’ll need to contact a veterinarian immediately if the cat ingests any of the product.

If your dog likes to swim, keep it out of water for about 48 hours. The mosquito treatment is toxic to aquatic life, too.

Mosquito Control for Cats

Cats are a bit harder to treat with traditional mosquito repellents because they are very sensitive to certain chemicals. Also, because cats tend to keep themselves very clean through self-grooming, they can easily ingest just about anything that is applied to the skin. Bayer makes Advantage II, a flea repellent for cats, but it doesn’t protect against mosquitoes, which can carry disease and cause skin irritation. A variety of sprays and wipes are available over the counter and are safe for protecting your cats from mosquitoes.

Natural Methods

Over-the-counter mosquito repellent for pets can be expensive, although necessary. If you’d rather avoid the chemicals and cost of these traditional methods, there are several natural alternatives that have been found to work.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil - This natural mosquito repellent has been found to be safe for humans and pets. The New England Journal of Medicine found in 2002 that the herbal repellent of Repel Lemon Eucalyptus provided about two hours of protection from mosquito bites, compared to less than 1 ½ hours from DEET products. In addition, the U.S Department of Agriculture found that lemon eucalyptus oil was the most effective repellent, even when compared to other natural and synthetic products. It was even approved for use when it comes to protection from mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus. While Repel Lemon Eucalyptus is specifically for human use, there are many versions available for dogs. One product can be used by putting the oil in a special holder on your dog’s collar. That way, the oil never directly touches your pet. There also is a version available for felines to help protect your cat from mosquitoes.

Geranium and Soybean Oil

2. Geranium and Soybean Oil - Another popular natural mosquito repellent for pets is the oil from geraniums and soybeans. Products such as PetFresh Bite Blocker can protect your pet for up to four hours. This mosquito spray for dogs can be applied directly to the animal’s coat and rubbed in. Pet owners can apply the mosquito repellent about once a week or after a bath for continued protection. This form of natural mosquito repellent was rated as the No. 2 most effective natural product in a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most sprays are about $10 a bottle, a real cost savings when compared to traditional over-the-counter methods.

Citronella

3. Citronella - Citronella candles are popular ways to protect you and your family when enjoying the outdoors. This natural oil deters mosquitoes from feasting on you and your furry friends. If you’re spending some time outside with your family, it’s safe to light one of these candles to provide protection to you and your pets. Just make sure your pet isn’t able to knock the candle over or get into the wax, as it can be dangerous. If the smell is off-putting to you, there are other alternatives to protecting your pets from mosquitoes.

Lemon or Other Citrus Juice

4. Lemon or Other Citrus Juice - Did you know that mosquitoes are easily repelled by the scent of lemon or other citrus juices? If you’re looking for one of the most natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your pets, try slicing a lemon. There are two main ways you can use this tart fruit to protect your dog or cat. Slice a lemon, lime or grapefruit and then rub the wedge directly on your pet’s fur. Be sure to avoid the eyes and any open cuts as the acid in the fruit can sting and be painful. Citrus is nontoxic to dogs, so there’s no harm in your pet licking its fur or other areas after the citrus juice has been applied. You also could make a spray from the lemon juice that can easily be applied to your dog’s body. Bring six lemons, or any other mix of citrus, and a quart of water to a boil. Let it steep for at least an hour. Once it cools, pour it into a spray bottle. Be sure to strain it so the pulp doesn't clog your spray bottle. Remember to keep your dog’s eyes safe by not spraying around the face. Instead, spray its body with the mixture. To apply it around your dog’s face, spray your hand or a cloth and then gently rub it onto your dog’s nose or other areas, but be sure to avoid the eyes. The spray can be reapplied every two to three hours. Some studies also suggest that adding lemon to your dog’s diet can help with mosquito protection. Adding lemon juice to its water or lemon zest to its food is an easy way to get the fruit into your animal’s diet. The amount you should give your dog can range from ¼ of a teaspoon to a dog that is very small to 3 teaspoons for a very large dog. It might be a good idea to start with a small dosage and work your way up. That way, your dog can get used to the taste a little bit at a time.

Keep the Environment Clean

In addition to products that can help keep your pet safe from mosquitoes, there is a lot you can do to make sure mosquitoes aren't going to make your backyard their new home.

Mosquito Life Cycle
Mosquito Life Cycle: Mosquitoes grow from egg to adult in just 8-10 days.

One of the easiest things to do is make sure there isn't any space on your property that would make a good breeding ground for mosquitoes. These little bugs love standing water because it provides the perfect environment for them to reproduce. Here are some easy things you can do to make sure they don’t raise a family near you.

  • Containers - Get rid of any garbage on your property. Anything that can hold water, whether it’s old buckets, used tires or a wading pool used during the summer, can become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you keep watering cans, your pet’s water bowl or other items outside, be sure to toss the old water every two days or so. This will keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in that water.
  • Fight back - If you have areas that just seem to hold standing water and you can’t do much about it, try investing in an insect growth regulator. Putting this in the water can stop those tiny mosquito babies from growing into bloodthirsty adults.
  • Gutters - Don’t forget about rain gutters. Leaves or other debris can hold enough water to be an ideal breeding ground.
  • Leaks - Outdoor faucets and air conditioners can leak and leave standing water in hidden places. Fix these leaks or be sure to check on them every couple of days to remove any puddles.
  • Birds - If you have an outdoor birdbath or small pool, be sure to change the water about twice a week. These are some of the most common places to find young mosquitoes.
  • Goldfish - Do you have a small garden pond on your property? While beautiful, these ponds can be very attractive to mosquitoes. Certain fish, such a koi or goldfish, can help eat the mosquito larvae, acting as a natural repellent. You also can treat the water with chemicals that will kill the larvae but will not hurt any plants or fish you keep in the pond. The addition of a fountain also helps because it can keep the mosquitoes from trying to lay their eggs in your pond. Stagnant water is the best environment for mosquitoes. If you can keep the water moving, you can usually save yourself from the larvae.
  • Covers - If you own a pool or have tarps elsewhere on your property, make sure rainwater doesn’t lay there. Keep the tarps inside or check them regularly to dump any water.
  • Puddles - If you try to keep your lawn watered during the summer, make sure low-lying areas don’t get flooded if puddles sit for too long.
  • Potholes - Potholes in your driveway or old post holes in your yard also can hold water and become a dangerous spot for water to sit for days or weeks. Make sure you fill these so water no longer gathers in these areas.

Avoid Adult Mosquitoes

If you've been tackling the issue of standing water on your property but still find adult mosquitoes making their way to your home, there are other things you can do to get rid of them.

Additional Control Methods
Bats and birds often feed on adult mosquitoes. If you want to find more natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes on your property, try adding bat and bird houses to encourage these natural predators to help you.
Mosquitoes tend to be out more during the early morning and evening hours. Keep your pets inside to help them avoid exposure to mosquitoes during those times.
If you like to feel the warm summer breeze, be sure to install screens on your doors and windows. These will help keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Mosquitoes are attracted to light, so it might be a good idea to turn off outside spotlights when they aren't in use.
Some insecticides can help with mosquito control but they can be harmful to other bugs, pets and your family. Be sure to read any labels thoroughly before deciding to use an insecticide in your yard.

Set Up a Mosquito Magnet® Trap

Mosquito traps are an easy way to dramatically reduce the mosquito population on your property without exposing your pets to harmful chemicals or keeping them stuck inside. Mosquito traps, such as the Mosquito Magnet®, can be placed in your yard and will start working immediately to eliminate these insects that carry harmful diseases. commanderMosquito Magnet® offers 15 patents to attract and capture mosquitoes that might be breeding on your property. Each machine works around the clock to release carbon dioxide to attract the mosquitoes and draw them into the trap. The Counterflow™ Technology vacuums the mosquitoes into the trap where they are collected in a net. Within 24 hours, the mosquitoes will dehydrate and die. The Mosquito Magnet® CO2 mosquito trap uses this process to disrupt the mosquito breeding cycle and significantly decrease the annoyance and danger that mosquitoes bring to you and your pets.

Keep Your Pets Safe From Mosquitoes

Using a variety of tools to keep your pets safe from mosquitoes and the dangers of heartworm disease is one of the best ways to ensure your furry friends stay happy and healthy. Make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your dog or cat safe from mosquitoes. A mosquito trap is an easy way to keep pests and disease away from your home. Make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.

Remember to join Mosquito Magnet® on Facebook to learn more about keeping your family, your pets and yourself from becoming a regular mosquito bite victim. Also subscribe to the Mosquito Magnet® E-Newsletter for more articles like this one and special product announcements.

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