Mosquitoes and the Diseases they Cause!

Our fur-babies count on us!

Many of us have pets. Most of us have dogs. They are man’s best friend for a reason. Dogs love unconditionally, and they prove it over and over. Lock your spouse in the trunk of the car and lock your dog in the trunk of your car. Who do you think will be excited to see you if you wait an hour for it to open it? We need to make sure that we’re dog’s best friend.

Mosquitoes and diseases!

We’re all aware of how annoying mosquitoes can be, but their bites can pose serious health risks, especially to dogs. Mosquitoes are carriers of various diseases, such as heartworms, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which can cause severe illness and even death in dogs.
Heartworm disease is one of the most significant risks associated with mosquito bites. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a dog, it transfers the larvae into the dog’s bloodstream. Over time, the larvae mature into adult worms that reside in the heart and lungs, leading to serious heart and lung damage. The symptoms of heartworm disease may not appear for several months, and they can include coughing, lethargy, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, heartworm disease can be fatal.

West Nile Virus can be deadly!

West Nile Virus is another disease that can be transmitted through mosquito bites. Although most dogs infected with West Nile Virus will not show symptoms, some can develop a severe neurological illness that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of West Nile Virus in dogs include fever, weakness, tremors, seizures, and paralysis.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but severe viral disease that can also be transmitted through mosquito bites. EEE can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to symptoms such as fever, seizures, and disorientation. In some cases, dogs infected with EEE may die within two to three days.
To protect their dogs from the dangers of mosquito bites, pet owners should take several precautions. The first step is to keep mosquitoes away from their dogs as much as possible. This can be done by eliminating standing water around the home, using mosquito repellent on both the dog and the owner, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn).

Mosquitoes are the only way dogs can get Heartworm!

Pet owners should also ensure that their dogs are on regular heartworm prevention medication. These medications work by killing heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. Additionally, vaccines are available for some mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus. Pet owners should speak to their veterinarians to determine whether these vaccines are necessary for their dogs.

At Mosquito Hunters, as much as we want to make your backyard nuisance free, we want to eliminate the health risks associated with mosquito bites as well. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on the planet, and unfortunately, they pose just as big of a threat to our four-legged family members as they do to us. Protect your pets and call us at (817) 287-1441 or visit mosquitohunters.com/southlake-tx.