Mosquito Bites and Our Furry Friends

Mosquito bites are not only a nuisance to us but can also pose a grave threat to our furry family members. Most mosquito bites on pets are harmless, however, there are certain diseases and infections that can be transmitted through these bites. It’s very important for pet owners to be aware of these diseases and take the necessary steps to protect their pets.

One of the most common diseases transmitted by mosquito bites is heartworms. Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and blood vessels of  animals, including and most commonly dogs and cats. Mosquitoes act as the carrier for these parasites, transmitting them from one infected animal to another through their bites.

When a mosquito carrying heartworm bites, the larvae of the parasite enter the bloodstream and eventually mature into adult worms, which begin to congregate around the heart of the animal. These worms can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs, which leads to severe illness and can even be fatal if left untreated.

Symptoms of heartworms in pets may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss, and a decrease in appetite. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Dogs suffer from heartworms much more often than cats, but it's important to keep an eye on both!

Preventing heartworm disease involves using monthly preventive medications that kill the larvae before they can mature into adult worms. These medications are available in various forms, including chewable tablets, topical salves, and injections. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best preventive treatment for your pet.

While a little more uncommon, another disease that can prove a problem for your pets is West Nile virus (WNV). While WNV primarily affects people, it can also infect animals, including horses and birds. Pets can contract this if they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

Most pets that contract with WNV show no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, just like humans. However, in rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological symptoms and even death. It’s important to monitor your furry friend if any of these symptoms begin to appear! There is no specific treatment for WNV in pets, so prevention from mosquito bites is the key.

To protect your furry friend from WNV, it is important to minimize their exposure to mosquitoes. This can be done by keeping them indoors during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk), using mosquito repellents specifically formulated for pets, and eliminating standing water on your property where mosquitoes can breed.

Mosquito bites can pose a dangerous risk to our furry friends by transmitting diseases such as heartworms and West Nile virus. As responsible pet owners, it is necessary to protect our pets from these diseases by using proactive methods of treatment. Call Mosquito Squad at 336-617-5268 now to set up a treatment plan to protect your pets from these dangerous and annoying pests. When you do, make sure to ask our staff about our new Pet Lover’s package, which can do even more to protect your furry family members from mosquitos!