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How to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Dog (5 Vet-Approved Methods)
On warm summer evenings, you might be tempted to enjoy some quality time with your dog outdoors. However, your outside oasis may quickly turn into a nightmare thanks to bloodsucking mosquitoes.
While bug bites are an itchy nuisance to us, they pose a bigger risk to our canine companions. Dogs can develop allergic reactions or even contract harmful conditions, including heartworm disease, leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus infection.
To keep your dog safe from mosquitoes while they are outside, here are five steps you can take to keep these bugs at bay.
The 5 Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Dog
1. Pet-Friendly Pest Spray
Many pesticide sprays contain dangerous chemicals that are toxic to pets. Try spraying down your yard with an all-natural, dog-friendly pest spray. Consult with your vet before purchasing any pest spray. Apply it to your deck, garden, and yard to repel and kill mosquitoes.
2. A Mosquito-Repellent Collar or Spot-On Treatment
Get your furry friend ready for the yard by getting them a vet-approved mosquito-repellent collar or spot-on treatment. These dog-friendly mosquito-repellent products contain safe and effective substances that will keep mosquitoes away and your dog protected. Spot-on products generally last for 4 weeks, but collars can last for several months.
3. Plan Your Dog’s Outing Time
Most species of mosquitoes are more active during dusk and dawn hours and into the evening. Try to avoid these times for walking your dog as much as possible, or take special care to plan your route away from standing water if you go for walks at these times.
4. Remove Stagnant Water
Standing water, including water in your dog’s water bowl, puddles, birdbaths, and pool coverings can attract mosquitoes. Clear out any sources of stagnant water around the house and plan your route away from water collections.
5. Grow Some Plants
Give your green thumb some good use and start growing mosquito-repelling plants! Plants such as rosemary, catnip, peppermint, lemon balm, and lavender will keep mosquitoes away from your patio, yard, and garden. These plants are safe for dogs; however, we don’t recommend that your dog nibbles on them often.
In Conclusion
Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but they carry very serious diseases for your dog. You should do everything possible to keep your dog protected from mosquito bites to avoid health issues for them. Following our five tips will be of great help. If there are mosquitoes in your area, you should give your dog a veterinary-prescribed medication to prevent heartworms. Signs of the disease include tiredness, coughing, weight loss, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, or collapse. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, take them to the vet right away.
Featured Image Credit: MR.CHATMONGKON, Shutterstock
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Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. She’s the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. She’s always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat can live happy, healthy, and care-free.
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