Keeping mosquitoes from your pets is key to good health.
Mosquitoes are both an irritant and a health threat to humans and animals alike. Their bites cause skin irritation, a condition compounded in a pet from constant scratching and gnawing at the original bite location. Worse, mosquitoes can carry disease, most notably heartworm and the West Nile Virus. As with humans, over-the-counter repellents are widely available. Yet each species is different, and physiology varies even within the same species. Thus, it is prudent to consult with a veterinarian as to the best course to take in the repulsion of mosquitoes.
Environmental Controls
With a concern for public health, veterinarians start with the most conservative approach to mosquito inhibition: keeping them off the property and away from the living space. Investing in misters, either portable or lantern-based, is one method of keeping the pests at bay. The misters emit pyrethrum concentrate, a natural insecticide, or allethrin, its synthetic counterpart. Periodic misting creates a poisonous atmosphere for mosquitoes and does not threaten human or animal health.
Topical Chemical Treatments
Imidacloprid and permethrin are chemical compounds found in insect repellents for dogs. Also effective against fleas and ticks, these substances both kill and repel mosquitoes for up to a month after application. The lethality of this treatment inundates the insect's nervous system, thereby killing the pest. Manufacturers advise monitoring the canine until the repellent dries. This is to keep the dog from licking and chewing, which may result in unhealthy ingestion of the topical chemicals. Veterinarians must be made aware of the use of chemical applications, especially if the dog is receiving medications. These preventatives are dangerous for cats.
Natural Preventatives
Catnip, neem oils, herbal extracts and lemongrass are among the naturally occurring substances that are effective mosquito repellents. While lacking the lethal element of the chemical inhibitors, the herbal protection can nonetheless keep mosquitoes at bay. Furthermore, the natural compounds do not have the problematic side effects of their synthetic counterparts, making application less stressful and possible ingestion less dangerous. Safe for both cats and dogs, the herb combinations can be applied to even the youngest puppies and kittens. Among horse owners, garlic, taken orally, is reputed to provide similar benefits for horses. Many veterinarians, however, dispute the efficacy and safety of garlic as a repellent.
Prescription Medication
Medicine taken orally or through vaccination is another option that veterinarians are offering their clients and patients. Etofenprox and S-Methoprene are chemicals found to be low in toxicity, but lethal when it comes to mosquitoes, their eggs and larvae. Once ingested, this medication will spread throughout the dog's system within 15 minutes, providing weeks of repellent action. Lufeneron performs similarly, but is safer for cats. These products can be purchased through the prescribing veterinarian or through commercial outlets, though the prescription information will be required by the latter.
Tags: taken orally