How to protect your dog from mosquitoes?

Intrusive mosquitoes and midges are not averse to feasting on the blood of pets, and often these bites go unnoticed by the owner of the dog. But this does not mean that the animal easily tolerates them.

Insect bites tend to affect short-haired and hairless dogs. Breeds with medium or long hair have natural protection in the form of hair. However, they also have vulnerabilities: ears and muzzle.

What is the danger of mosquito bites?

1. Allergic reactions

   Of course, it is not difficult to notice an allergy to a mosquito bite in a dog: as a rule, this place is very swollen, itchy, and the local temperature rises. If there are many bites, the swelling can be quite severe.

2. Helminths

   Another danger is that mosquitoes through a bite can infect an animal with a disease such as dirofilariasis. This is a heartworm, a special type of parasite that lives under the skin, in the muscles, in the lungs, and sometimes even in the heart of a dog. A person can also be infected with dirofilariasis, but in his body the worm does not reach puberty and therefore is not so dangerous. Without proper treatment, parasites in the dog’s body develop quickly enough and can provoke thrombosis or embolism.

Preventing danger is much easier than getting rid of the consequences of a bite. Moreover, today in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies you can easily find a suitable mosquito repellent for dogs. What are they like?

How to protect your dog from mosquitoes?

The most popular means of protection: collar, spray and drops. Let’s dwell on each them in more detail:

• Collar

The mosquito collar for dogs is a long-term protection. It is believed that with regular wear, it is able to protect the animal for 5-6 months. In this case, the remedy usually acts not only on mosquitoes, but also on fleas and ticks.

• Spray

One of the most popular repellents is mosquito repellent spray for dogs. As a rule, such drugs act from a week to a month. Sprays are also effective against other insects, including fleas and ticks.

It is important to remember that a dog treated with a spray should not be bathed, as most of these drugs dissolve in water.

Therefore, we must not forget to re-spray the pet with a spray every time after water procedures.

• Drops

Mosquito drops can last up to 8 weeks. Most manufacturers offer comprehensive protection against various insects. In the form of drops, waterproof preparations are produced. This means that if the dog gets caught in the rain or swims in a pond, the drops will not stop working.

Buy a dog protection product only at a veterinary pharmacy or pet store. You should not buy them in supermarkets or on the market to avoid fakes.

Moreover, it is impossible to use products intended for humans! In preparations for pets, substances that are safe for animals are used in a certain proportion and dosage.

That is why they must be of high quality and proven.

Rules for the use of mosquito repellents:

• Read the instructions carefully before use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as not all products are used and work in the same way;
• Pay attention to the expiration date, the integrity of the package;
• Often, after applying the drug, the dog needs to be isolated from other pets for a while and ensure that it does not lick itself;
• Drops are applied to the withers of the dog so that the animal cannot reach and lick it off. This should be remembered and do not stroke the pet for some time after application, so as not to erase the drug;
• If you have a pregnant or lactating dog, a weakened animal or a puppy, choose special preparations for this category of pets. A specialist from a veterinary pharmacy will recommend the best option.

You can often hear about folk remedies for protecting a dog from insects, but they will not always have an effect, and besides, they can harm the animal. Therefore, it is better to refrain from using strongly smelling substances, especially from applying them to the pet’s coat.

Photo: Collection

18 2018 June

Updated: 19 June 2018