The original item was published from May 7, 2018 9:59 AM to May 7, 2018 11:52 AM
| PROTECT YOUR PET AGAINST PESTS |
We all do our part to minimize pest populations in and around our homes, but insects still can be a
nuisance. In addition to protecting themselves with insect repellent and habitat removal, owners must protect their pets against pest problems. Heartworm disease spread by mosquitoes, illnesses shared through tick bites and venom injected by spiders can cause short- and long-term problems for dogs and cats.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease can cause lung problems, heart failure and death if left untreated. When an animal is bitten by an infected mosquito, larvae can enter the bloodstream and grow to maturity in the heart, lung and blood vessels several months later. Although the disease is not contagious, mature parasites can live for years and release new larvae to extend the cycle, which can result in several hundred worms infecting a single animal.
Year-round prevention is the best course of action, and several options are available:
- Veterinarians can administer an injection to the pet every six months.
- A pet can ingest a monthly tablet.
- An owner can apply topical medication on the animal.
Tick-borne Diseases
The same tick-borne illnesses that affect humans can infect pets as well. Since dogs and cats spend time outdoors, opportunities for exposure to ticks is high. Animals’ thick fur can cause tiny ticks to be difficult to spot. If your pet displays changes in behavior or appetite, and exposure to ticks is a possibility, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Preventing bites is the most important step in preventing these illnesses:
- Speak with your veterinarian about reliable tick-prevention products and about vaccinating your pet against diseases carried by insects. Make sure the product you purchase is appropriate for your pet. Many of these products can be harmful if used improperly.
- Keep pets away from common tick habitat, including tall grass and wooded areas.
- Vigilantly check for ticks whenever the animal returns from the outdoors. Common places to find ticks on pets include behind the ears, in armpits, between toes, under collars and on the belly.
- If you discover a tick on your body or your pet, remove the tick quickly and completely.
Spiders
There are more than 300 species of spiders in Missouri, but only two of them are toxic to humans and pets: the brown recluse and black widow. Although it’s usually obvious to humans when they’re bitten by a spider, a pet cannot tell their owner. In dogs and cats, typical symptoms of a spider bite include a red, swollen and painful area near the site of the bite that develops into a blister within 12 hours. This blister can become a painful ulcer if cell damage occurs.
There’s little owners can do to prevent a spider bite, but to minimize opportunities, consider:
- Keeping garages, basements and other storage areas clutter-free to reduce habitat areas.
- Shaking clothing, blankets and other materials before using.
- Sealing entryways and windows to limit opportunities for pets to enter living areas.
- Avoiding spider habitats when walking your pet.
- Contacting pest-control agents to reduce populations.
For more information on preventing disease in your pet, please consult with your veterinarian or call the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center at (636) 949-PETS.
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Tick-borne Diseases
The same tick-borne illnesses that affect humans can infect pets as well. Since dogs and cats spend time outdoors, opportunities for exposure to ticks is high. Animals’ thick fur can cause tiny ticks to be difficult to spot. If your pet displays changes in behavior or appetite, and exposure to ticks is a possibility, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Preventing bites is the most important step in preventing these illnesses:
- Speak with your veterinarian about reliable tick-prevention products and about vaccinating your pet against diseases carried by insects. Make sure the product you purchase is appropriate for your pet. Many of these products can be harmful if used improperly.
- Keep pets away from common tick habitat, including tall grass and wooded areas.
- Vigilantly check for ticks whenever the animal returns from the outdoors. Common places to find ticks on pets include behind the ears, in armpits, between toes, under collars and on the belly.
- If you discover a tick on your body or your pet, remove the tick (https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/remove-dog-tick/) quickly and completely.
Tick-borne Diseases
The same tick-borne illnesses that affect humans can infect pets as well. Since dogs and cats spend time outdoors, opportunities for exposure to ticks is high. Animals’ thick fur can cause tiny ticks to be difficult to spot. If your pet displays changes in behavior or appetite, and exposure to ticks is a possibility, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Preventing bites is the most important step in preventing these illnesses:
- Speak with your veterinarian about reliable tick-prevention products and about vaccinating your pet against diseases carried by insects. Make sure the product you purchase is appropriate for your pet. Many of these products can be harmful if used improperly.
- Keep pets away from common tick habitat, including tall grass and wooded areas.
- Vigilantly check for ticks whenever the animal returns from the outdoors. Common places to find ticks on pets include behind the ears, in armpits, between toes, under collars and on the belly.
- If you discover a tick on your body or your pet, remove the tick (https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/remove-dog-tick/) quickly and completely.