Understanding the Risks: Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Dogs and Cats

More than just an itchy nuisance to pet owners and their furry friends, mosquitoes can also be vectors for deadly diseases. From introducing heartworm larvae to your pet's system to spreading life-threatening viruses, their bites aren't as harmless as they seem.

But with millions of these unwanted bugs swarming the skies every summer, what can be done?

Luckily, there are several safe and effective ways you can target mosquitoes before they spread deadly diseases to your pet. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about mosquito-borne illnesses, how to treat them, and how you can prevent infected dogs and cats in the future.

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

Mosquito-borne diseases encompass various viruses, bacteria, and internal parasites that mosquitoes spread. A diet of blood means that the bugs typically catch them from feeding off infected animals and birds. While these diseases don't impact the mosquito, they can be spread to the next animal through infected saliva.

Common Diseases Spread By Mosquito Bites

To fully understand the dangers of mosquito bites, here are some common, dangerous diseases they may carry. Remember, all it takes is one bite.

Heartworm Disease

When heartworm eggs hitch a ride inside mosquitoes, bites can transfer them to your pet. Once inside your dog, larvae develop into adult worms that live in the heart and blood vessels. The heart is a sensitive organ, and the buildup of worms can block vital blood flow to other essential organs and disrupt heart function. These deadly parasites can also invade the lungs, liver, and kidneys, causing further health problems.

If left untreated, your dog may even suffer from heart failure. The problem is, heartworm infestations are notoriously difficult to detect, as signs are generally absent for years. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heartworm disease, don't wait. Many signs and symptoms are late-stage and can indicate a severe infection.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

• Coughing
• Exercise intolerance
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Swollen belly
• Nosebleeds
• Skin and gum discoloration
• Fainting
• Seizures

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is a dangerous disease picked up by mosquitoes via over 300 bird species and then spread to other animals — especially horses — through mosquito bites. Dogs and cats can also be impacted, but generally don't experience serious illness. However, young, old, and immune-compromised pets are at a higher risk of developing neurological signs, including:

Symptoms of West Nile Virus

• Ataxia (incoordination, stumbling, tremors, limb weakness)
• Convulsions
• Fever
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Coma
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to swallow

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Commonly impacting Passerine birds and horses, but also occasionally infecting dogs, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is hard to diagnose and can even be fatal. Also known as the "sleeping sickness", a simple fever and diarrhea can quickly progress into more severe lethargy symptoms. After one to two days, symptoms may include:

Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Uncontrollable eye movements
• Depression and irritability
• Seizures
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Convulsions
• Blindness
• Coma

Allergies and Skin Infections

Pets can also suffer from allergies and skin infections when bitten by mosquitoes, issues that you may not even be aware of until after they're bit. Redness, swelling, and intense itching around the face, ears, and paws are common. Severe cases may even lead to hives or lesions, especially if pets scratch excessively.

Mosquitoes can also directly or indirectly cause skin infections by either introducing harmful bacteria or causing animals to scratch until the skin breaks.

Symptoms of Allergies and Infections:

• Redness and swelling
• Intense itching or excessive scratching
• Hair loss or scabbing
• Lesions or hives (rare)
• Pus or discharge from wounds

Treatment for Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

If you suspect that your furry friend has a mosquito-borne illness, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial, but don't guarantee a full recovery. For instance, heartworm disease requires veterinary care, including blood tests, imaging, and a strict treatment protocol to eliminate adult heartworms, larvae, and eggs. For viral infections with no cure like West Nile Virus or EEEV, supportive care—such as fluids, anti-inflammatory medications, and symptom management—is often the only option.

BioPower Pet Protects All Your Pets

Whether you need pet-safe mosquito-repelling products for your dog, cat, or horse, we offer tags and sprays for all your beloved pets. Explore our collection today!

The Importance of Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Preventing bites is the safest and most effective way to protect your pets from mosquito-borne illnesses. Fortunately, there are a variety of proactive measures you can take to do so.

The Best Method: BioPower Pet Shield Products

There's no need to worry about mosquito-borne illnesses if the pests have no interest in biting your pet. BioPower Pet Shield Tags and Sprays utilize bio-resonance energy for the best defense against the would-be bloodsuckers. Here's how it works:

• BioPower Pet Shield Tags: These stainless-steel tags emit bio-resonance energy that repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos for up to 12 months. They're also lightweight and easy to attach to your pet’s collar, providing convenient, all-day protection without harmful chemicals, batteries, or electricity.
• BioPower Pet Shield Spray: Featuring natural ingredients and a citronella scent, this spray protects using the same bio-resonance energy process while soothing your pet’s skin.

Plus, with a 60-day money-back guarantee, there is no risk in trying these products out!

Other Ways To Protect Your Pet From Infected Mosquitoes

Looking for other ways to prevent mosquito bites? Here are several other preventive measures to help protect your pet from potential disease:

• Avoid high-activity times: Avoid taking your pet outside during dawn and dusk, as this is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Install screens and mosquito nets: Use screens on windows and doors to keep pests out of your home and consider adding mosquito nets to outdoor sleeping areas.
• Remove standing water: Disrupt the Mosquito life cycle by limiting the presence of standing water both indoors and outdoors. Empty pet water bowls, clean bird baths, and fill in puddles.
• Heartworm prevention medication: It some parts of the country it may be necessary to protect your pet with heartworm-preventative medications prescribed by your vet.
• Professional pest control: Consider hiring a pest control service to target mosquitoes at the source and reduce the population around your home.

Keep Pets Safe From Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Today!

If you want to defend your beloved pets against the harmful diseases spread by mosquitoes, visit BioPower Pet and explore our range of natural solutions today. All of our products are non-toxic and quality-tested by thousands of satisfied pet owners for over 10 years.

Keep mosquitoes running instead of biting with BioPower Pet tags and sprays!