Pet parents need to be aware of the various diseases and bugs that can threaten their dogs’ health during the summer.
In this Q&A, Dr. Hunter Finn, a Veterinarian and MetLife Pet Insurance Partner, shares insights on the bugs that dog parents should really be concerned about this summer. From fleas and ticks to lesser-known pests, Dr. Finn provides essential tips on protecting your furry friends from the seasonal threats lurking in Texas and the Houston area.
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Q: What are the most common bugs in Texas and the Houston area that can pose a threat to dogs?
A: As summer approaches, pet parents in Texas, particularly in the Houston area, must be mindful of several bugs that can pose a threat to their dogs. From fleas and ticks to bees and even scorpions, pet parents should maintain a vigilant watch over their furry friend’s health and well-being. A flea bite can cause conditions that result in excessive itching and scratching as well as a decrease in your pet’s red blood count. Ticks can be very dangerous as they can carry and transmit blood-borne diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. Finally, your dog faces the risk of being stung by a bee or scorpion, potentially leading to an emergency situation.
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Q: How can pet parents effectively protect their dogs from ticks and mosquitoes during the summer?
A: There are numerous preventative measures pet parents can take to protect their pets this summer, including:
- Use products that repel ticks and mosquitoes, as recommended by your vet. These products can offer long-term protection for your furry friends and are tailored to their specific needs.
- After spending time outdoors, examine your dog carefully for any ticks that might have attached themselves, especially in places like the ears, neck, and between toes where ticks tend to lurk. Keep your dog’s coat clean and well-groomed, as pests like fleas and ticks are easier to spot on clean fur.
- Before going outside, use mosquito repellents approved by veterinarians on your dog’s fur or clothes. Also, consider using mosquito screens or nets around outdoor lounging spots to give more protection.
- Reduce the time spent outside when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes tend to be more active during the early morning and evening, so avoid being outdoors too much during these times.
- Make sure you’re enrolled in pet insurance to be prepared for emergency situations that may arise when your pet is compromised by an interaction with a threatening bug. Pet insurance is one of the most proactive measure a pet parent can take, with policies like MetLife Pet Insurance offering wellness plans for your pet’s general health including flea, tick, and heartworm preventives.
Q: Are there any lesser-known pests in Texas that dog parents should be aware of?
A: Some lesser-known pests in Texas that pet parents should be aware of include fire ants and kissing bugs. Fire ants are not like other ants that might annoy you but do little harm. They can pose a serious threat to your dog. When fire ants bite, they inject venom. This venom can cause a fatal allergic reaction in some dogs. Additionally, kissing bugs are common in Texas. This insect can transmit Chagas disease which can affect your dog’s heart. If you believe your dog has been bitten by fire ants or kissing bugs and appears to show signs of anaphylactic shock, bring him or her to the vet immediately.
Q: What are the signs that a dog may have been bitten or infected by a bug, and what should pet parents do if they suspect their dog has been affected?
A: There’s a huge range of clinical signs to watch for when it comes to bug bites on dogs. Most of them are not serious, causing mild irritation and will go away on their own. Here are some common indications of insect bites on dogs:
- Howling, whining, or whimpering when bitten
- Swelling or redness at the site of the bite
- Localized pain or itching at the site of the bite
- Hives
- Itchiness
- Swelling of the face
- A stinger or tick sticking out of the skin
Some bites can be dangerous or even life-threatening to your dog. Therefore, it’s especially important for pet parents to be able to identify anaphylactic shock from bug bites.
Q: Can you recommend any specific preventive measures or products to keep dogs safe from bugs in Texas?
A: I recommend veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventives, mosquito repellents, tick checks, protective pet clothing, regular grooming, and pet insurance. By incorporating these measures into your furry family member’s routine, you are not only well-prepared but also effectively safeguarding their overall wellbeing.
Q: Are there certain outdoor areas in Texas or Houston where dogs are more likely to encounter pests, and if so, how can pet parents mitigate these risks?
A: Some outdoor places in Texas and Houston, like forested areas, parks with thick plants, and yards with high grass or stagnant water, are more prone to have pests that can threaten dogs. I recommend implementing the preventive measures I’ve outlined before exploring such locations with your pet.
Q: What are the potential health risks associated with bug bites or infestations in dogs, and how serious are they?
A: Some bug bites on dogs may not cause much trouble and heal by themselves, but others may be serious and even fatal. Spider bites and bee stings with venom can be very risky and may require urgent medical care. Ticks and mosquitoes may also spread diseases like Lyme disease or heartworm through their bites, which may need long-term treatment. Given the potential seriousness of conditions caused by lesser-known pests, I highly recommend that all pet parents have pet insurance. This ensures they can provide the best treatment plan for their furry companions without worrying about the cost.
Q: How often should pet parents check their dogs for ticks and other pests, and what should they look for during these inspections?
A: Ticks can be hard to detect on dogs because they are very tiny — some ticks are as small as a speck of dust. That’s why it’s important to prevent and look for tick bites on your furry family members. Typically, signs of tick-borne diseases in pets start to show up between 7 and 21 days after being bit.
First, inspect your pet for any signs of irritation. If they scratch or rub a certain area of their body, that’s a clue to look closer. Next, feel their fur with your hands, checking for small bumps. If you find a bump or lump, separate the fur with your fingers — or gently with a dog comb — and use a light to see better. Ticks tend to hide in damp, dark areas, but they can appear anywhere on your furry friend. Don’t forget to check these places, where ticks are often found on dogs:
- Under the collar
- Under the tail
- Under the front and back legs
- In the groin area
- Between the toes
- On the elbows
- In the folds of ears
- On the eyelids
If you find a tick, remain calm. You can safely remove a tick using gloves, tweezers, antiseptic, and rubbing alcohol.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: As pet parents gear up for the summer months, pet insurance emerges as an essential resource in safeguarding their furry companions against the myriad risks associated with bug bites. With the increased prevalence of pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes during warmer weather, dogs face a higher risk of encountering these insects and the potential health complications they bring. Pet insurance provides pet parents with financial peace of mind, ensuring they can afford necessary veterinary care, medications, and treatments in the event of a bug-related illness or injury. More specifically, MetLife Pet Insurance policyholders have access to 24/7 telehealth concierge services, providing invaluable support to pet parents with any questions or concerns regarding their pet’s health, particularly in the event of infection or illness.