Your Dog Doesn't Like Mosquitoes & Ticks Either

Mosquitoes and ticks are increasing with the warm weather. We protect ourselves and family from the irritation and dangers of mosquitoes and ticks, but do we worry about that with our dogs? Dogs are just as uncomfortable from mosquito and tick bites and are just as susceptible to the diseases they may bring.

Disease Types

Mosquitoes and ticks are vectors. This means they can carry disease and can transfer this disease to the host that they bite. They can also pass along the disease to offspring they have, meaning that these disease can become harder to control. Here are some of the diseases that can be caused by these vectors and the symptoms from them.

Heartworms

Heartworms are carried by mosquitoes. Just one mosquito bite can be an issue for your dog. They symptoms are slow to develop and you may not be aware that your dog has it for a long time and then it may be a very big problem. It can cause permanent, lasting damage to the heart and lungs.

• Reluctance to play and be active
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Persistent mild cough
• Swollen belly and heart failure in severe cases

West Nile Virus

Yes. Dogs can get West Nile as well as people. In dogs, there does not seem to be as bad as of a reaction as what people have It can still be an issue.

• Fever symptoms
• Rash on skin
• Obvious tremor
• Partial paralysis

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus - EEE

This is most commonly found with horses and birds, but dogs can sometime be a victim to this disease that can be fatal.

• Fever symptons
• Diarrhea
• Uncontrolled eye movement
• Seizures

Lyme disease

This tick-borne disease can be as serious in dogs as it is in humans. It is a bacterium that gets into the bloodstream and then moves to other parts of the body. It can move to the kidneys and cause kidney failure and death.

• Fever symptoms
• Loss of appetite
• Rash on skin
• Lameness
• Swollen joints and joint pain

Canine Ehrlichiosis

This is also from a tick bite. It can be long term infection and may cause death.

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Respiratory distress
• Weight loss
• Bleeding disorders
• Neurological disturbances

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

This is another tick illness that is found in dogs as well as humans.

• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Skin lesions
• Neurological disturbances

Prevention

The best way to protect your dog from the dangers of mosquito and tick bites is to use a preventitive. This will help protect your dog no matter where you take them. Mosquito Squad can help protect your dog on your property. Offering a 90% elimination of mosquitoes and ticks, the barrier treatment  from Mosquito Squad helps keep your dog protected from these bites and the illnesses they may cause. Call Mosquito Squad today!