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5 Summertime Pests for Dogs and Cats to Watch Out

Summer is here and we are all getting excited to spend as much time as possible enjoying outdoor activities. But before you let the dogs run out the door, keep in mind during the summer time your dog can encounter  some summertime pests, making not only his life but yours a bit difficult. So today I am sharing 5 Summer Pests I look out for with Mylo & Chico to keep them healthy.

5 -Summertime-Pests-for-Dogs-and-Cats-to-Watch-Out

Dog enjoying a summer day!

{UNO} Fleas : They can be found anywhere in the country (though found in greater numbers in warmer areas with high humidity) and multiply like crazy. In fact, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, just one flea can multiply to 1,000 fleas in your home in just 21 days. Additionally, they can cause itching, scratching, hair loss, and scabs on our pets, as well as anemia, plague and tapeworms, among other things.

{DOS} Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes cause itchy bumps, but there are also some serious and life-threatening diseases LIKE Heartworm. This can infect both cats and dogs, is a silent killer that can be easily treated if caught in time.

{TRES} Sarcoptes Scabiei Mite: Most prevalent in the summer months, the condition caused by this mite, also referred to as scabies or mange, is more of a nuisance than a danger. The most common risk of exposure comes from contact with other animals and outdoor activities. Treatment is the same as treating for fleas, but more aggressive, with quarantining, and thorough baths.

{CUATRO} Botfly: The botfly hangs out in grass, latching onto warm-blooded animals that are passing through. Symptoms of botfly infection include seizures, aggression, blindness, and warbles (or lumps) in the skin where the botfly has taken up residence. This pests is also called  Cuterebra and in cats, the larva typically travels to the brain.

{CINCO} Ticks: Ticks  don’t mind hanging around to wait for warm-blooded species like you and your pet to hitch a ride on. Some of the more serious diseases that ticks can transmit to your pet include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. If you will be spending time in grassy or wooded areas with your pet, be sure to do a tick inspection daily so that the tick can be removed before damage can be done.

With some preventive methods and planning, you can still enjoy summer activities with your pets. Always talk to your vet to find the preventive method for your pet’s needs.

 

Happy Safe Summer!

 

 Information source: petmd.com

Photo Credit: N00/4501511209/”>Donnaphoto via Compfight cc

11 Jun 2015
By Evelyn
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About the Author: Evelyn

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