A few years ago my dog Buster and I were running around in the backyard when all of a sudden I heard him yelping and saw him running in circles, his entire body covered with wasps. I was horrified to say the least.
I ran after him and, once I finally caught up with him, I started to frantically throw dirt on his body as I ran my hands along his body trying to get the wasps to leave him. After immersing his poor little body in water, I raced him straight to the Hospital where he was promptly treated. I later learned that we had a overgrown hornet’s nest in the yard. Unfortunately, Buster had disturbed their home. Now that I know better, I take necessary precautions by frequently checking the yard and the outside of the house for wasp nests.
The summertime can be filled with many troublesome critters for our pets ranging from fleas, gnats, ticks and mosquitoes to snakes. Many of these insects can cause severe discomfort. Some insects, such as wasps, can create immense pain with the release of their toxins into our pets’ bloodstreams. In the case of a wasp which will typically leave a stinger, removal of the stinger is a necessity. A stinger left intact can cause infection and possibly severe allergic reactions. To keep your pet safe this season, be sure to use the following guidelines:
1. Keep the areas surrounding your home free and clear of standing water. A bowl or puddle of water left near your front door will surely attract mosquitoes. That means moving the bird bath to an area far away from the entrance to your front door or anywhere your pet roams. Monthly preventative medication is essential and, as a supplemental measure, citronella candles kept on your porch may help reduce the likelihood of these pesky visitors.
2. During the summer months it is important to do a daily thorough check of your dog’s skin for any insect bites or ticks that may be lurking. Using a flea comb on all areas of your pet’s body is ideal as it will penetrate best. Ticks are very dangerous as they can transmit serious diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease. There are traditional medications that will keep ticks at bay. However, if you prefer a more natural solution, seek out a holistic vet in your area that can recommend a solution of essential oils. The best instrument to use in order to remove an embedded tick is a pair of tweezers. According to the Dr. Levy in the book New Choices in Natural Healing it is important to remove the tick as soon as possible by “Gripping the tick with tweezers as close to your pet’s skin as possible. Gently, but firmly, pull the tick straight out. Don’t try to twist them out, because this will often cause the head to break off and remain in the skin”. Since ticks tend to hide in areas with heavy vegetation, keep your yard free and clear of overgrown grassy habitat.
3. Garlic is an all natural way to help fend off ticks and fleas. As a supplemental form of protection, feed your pet fresh raw garlic everyday in conjunction with the monthly meds. Holistic Vets recommend cats receive one-eighth teaspoon a day but for no more than two weeks. Dogs can have up to two teaspoons a day if they are over 50 pounds. Smaller dogs can have up to one-quarter to one-half teaspoon a day. Garlic contains compounds that are secreted through the skin which ticks, mosquitoes and fleas find distasteful. Garlic powder will not suffice as it is not as powerful as the actual bulb.
4. Mosquitoes are not only a real nuisance, they can be life threatening for pets, because they transmit fatal viruses, dengue and malaria, as well as heartworms. Heartworms start out as parasites that enter your pet’s bloodstream as larvae and then migrate straight to its heart. The larvae grow into heartworms and ultimately take over your pet’s heart, blocking the flow of blood to the lungs and fatally damaging the heart. Just as monthly flea medication is a must, so is the monthly heartworm medication. Administer the medication to your pet on the same day of each month so that you will be more likely to remember the day.
It is important never to leave your pet outside unattended as these pesky, sometimes life threatening, insects can show up unexpectedly at any time. Prompt medical attention to the matter can mean the difference between life and death. Enjoy the outdoors with your pet, just be sure to do so equipped with a shield of precaution. Preventative medications and a keen eye are of the utmost importance. With these helpful hints you can be sure to enjoy the beauty of this season with your pets.
References: New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats
By Amy D Shojai And The Editors of Prevention For Pets
Photo Credit: Click Flash Photos
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