Mosquitoes and dogs

Overview

It is very important to protect your dog against the dangers that mosquitoes pose. Mosquitoes can transmit parasites to your dog, such as heartworms. Mosquitoes can also carry diseases that can afflict both you and your dog, such as West Nile virus.

Heartworms

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition of worms residing in the heart and major blood vessels of dogs. Mosquitoes ingest the parasite for heartworms when feeding on an infected dog and then transmit the larvae to another dog.  Heartworm has been diagnosed in dogs in all fifty states, but are found most often in the Southeast and other areas where mosquitoes are present year round. 

West Nile virus

The West Nile virus is transmitted from birds to mosquitoes and then to people and dogs. This virus is not extremely common but its occurrence increases every year.  Infectious mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus infect birds. Once the bird is infected it carries the virus for 1 to 4 days. Mosquitoes then feed on this infected bird and can transmit the disease to your dog.

Prevention

There are many steps that you can take to avoid or reduce your dog's exposure to mosquitoes.

• Keep your dog indoors at peak mosquito biting times: dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
• Reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water - this reduces the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed:
  • At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
  • Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
  • Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
  • Check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.