One of the hot topics of neighborly discussion this summer is, "How about those mosquitoes? They are terrible at my house." "Yes, they are the worst I've seen!" Sound familiar? With all the rain this summer the radio and television are full of stories regarding the resulting huge mosquito population.
West Nile Virus and Heartworm Disease are both passed on to dogs by mosquitoes. However, West Nile Virus poses minimal threat of disease where deadly heartworm disease is common among unprotected dogs. According to the Animal Poison Control Center, there has only been one confirmed case of West Nile Virus in a dog in the past year and a half. In 2001, there were 120 confirmed heartworm positive cases in Black Hawk county alone.
Given the burgeoning mosquito population this year we want to urge all dog owners to make the extra effort to have your dog's blood tested for heartworm and then follow with the preventative medication. This not only protects your pets, but it helps assure that we don't get an enormous outbreak of heartworm disease that moves out of control when there is such an opportunity for the spread of disease with the increased mosquito population.
As for West Nile protection, the same concepts you use to protect yourself apply to your dog. Stay inside at times of greatest exposure which seems to be at dawn and dusk. Eliminate all standing, stagnant water sources. Use a mosquito repellant on yourself and on your dog. The sprays vary, a pyrethrin product may be safer for your dog than DEET. All sprays should be used with care, especially around the face and eyes. The repellant wipes may be easier to apply. If you have more questions about heartowm disease, West Nile virus or mosquito repellent, please call us... we would be glad to answer your questions.
Elizabeth Bixby, DVM
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