Summer is a fun time to spend outdoors with friends and family. And not just with your human friends and family, but your furry, four-legged friends and family too! However, summer, while fun for your pets too, can also bring about some other “friends”. Friends of the pest and insect variety. It’s important to know what insects could harm your pets and how to protect them this summer.
4 Insects Harmful to Pets, Both Cats & Dogs
1. Fleas
One of the summer’s most notorious pests are fleas. Fleas run rampant throughout the summer months because the heat and humidity speed up their lifecycle. This means that your pet can easily pick up fleas and bring them into your home. Even if you use flea prevention products, it’s possible for a flea infestation to happen occur.
2. Ticks
If you spend time hiking or at the dog park, you’ll want to check your pup for ticks when you’re done. Ticks live in wooded areas and love warm bodies, especially your pets. If not caught in time, ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
3. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes don’t just love humans, they love your pets too. Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying summer bugs and can cause major damage to your pet’s organs, including heartworms. And unfortunately for us, mosquitoes love the Southeast making it really important to monitor your Florida pet during the hot summer months.
4. Ants
Pets are curious creatures, always wanting to explore and go on adventures. One of the worst things for them to explore is ant hills. Ants can bite your pet’s legs and paws, causing them a lot of pain. Ants are also always on the lookout for food. So if they happen to find your dog’s food, there’s a good chance that you’ll find a whole colony of ants crawling on the food and making it inedible to your pup.
4 Ways to Protect Your Pets From These Florida Insects
Luckily, you don’t have to battle these pesky pests all on your own. Here are 4 ways you can protect your pets from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and more Florida insects.
1. Use Flea & Tick Prevention
This will not only give you peace of mind while your pet is enjoying the great outdoors, but will also keep them safe and healthy. Look for a preventative medicine that offers both flea and tick treatment to make it easy to administer.
2. Shampoo Your Pets Regularly
Even though they might not like the bath, regular shampoos during the summer months can keep your pet’s body clean and free from unwanted bugs and parasites. Plus, they’ll smell yummy all summer long.
3. Take Care of Your Yard
Standing water and tall grass are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other bugs. Take care of your yard by mowing the lawn regularly, removing any standing water caused by heavy rain and unclogging gutters.
4. Keep Pet Food in a Secure Container
To prevent ants from finding your pet’s food, keep the food in a secure container. It’s also best to keep the food container off the floor and away from windows and doors.
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