There are a lot of things to love about summer. But one thing you won’t find on that list is any type of bug. Summer bugs are quite annoying. What’s even more concerning is the health risks that some bugs can pose for dogs. If you want to enjoy summer with your dog, here are the bugs you need to know about and how to protect against them:
Ticks
The reason ticks are first on our list is they’re one of the most common insects that spread disease. The good news with ticks is there are types that can’t survive indoors. However, you still don’t want these pests on your dog in the first place, which is why you should use a preventative like our All-Natural Mosquito, Flea, and Tick Repellent. And if you go on any hikes this summer or spend time in an area that’s heavily wooded, be sure to double check your dog for ticks at the end of the day.
Fleas
What makes these bugs a true pest is their saliva is highly irritating to most dogs. And once a dog brings fleas into a home or car, fully getting rid of them is an uphill battle. Since these bugs are very resilient, the small investment that a preventative solution requires is well worth it.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a pest getting a lot of attention this summer. The reason is mosquitoes can carry the Zika virus. Although there’s currently no evidence that this virus can be transmitted to dogs, you still want to protect your pooch from mosquito bites. This type of bug can give a dog heartworm, which can be difficult to treat and has the potential to be fatal. Your best line of defense against that threat is a heartworm preventative.
Spiders
When you think of bugs that bother dogs, spiders may not immediately come to mind. That doesn’t change the fact that spiders can bite dogs. And if a dog deals with a bite by licking it, the bite can get worse. Although there’s not really a solution for preventing these types of bites, you can help your dog by going to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any type of draining sore on your dog’s skin.
Ants and Yellow Jackets
These pests can bite or sting your dog. If your dog gets into a patch of ants, your vet can help by providing an injection. And for a yellow jacket sting, watch your dog carefully to ensure there aren’t any signs of respiratory distress. Go to your vet right away if you have any doubts or you notice that the site of a sting has gotten infected.
By taking the necessary precautions against the bugs listed above and feeding your dog a high-quality Pet Wants dog food blend every day, you can ensure that your dog feels its absolute best all summer long!
