We use the term "mosquito" to name numerous species that make up various families of insects diptera nematoceraDespite their small size, mosquitoes are responsible for various he alth risks to our family and our pets.
Although some species are completely harmless, the females of the families Culicidae and Pychodidae are hematophagous and can act as vectors (and hosts intermediaries) of various pathogens. Therefore, its bite can transmit diseases not only to humans, but also to domestic and wild animals.
In this article on our site, we show you the main diseases that mosquitoes transmit to dogs We also give you some tips to avoid bites and drive away these insects from our home. Read on to ensure good he alth for your animals:
What diseases can mosquitoes transmit to dogs?
The two diseases most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes to dogs are Heartworms (also known as "heartworm") and leishmaniosis.
Unfortunately, these pathologies include complex clinical pictures, which need to be treated quickly to allow a favorable prognosis. For this reason, it is important to be attentive to its first symptoms and go quickly to the vet when observing them in your best friend. Below, we present these diseases and their main symptoms a little better so that you can easily recognize them in your pet.
Heartworm in Dogs
The heartworm, better known as heartworm, is one of the most severe parasitic pathologies in dogs, being caused by a species of filaria called Dirofilaria immitis. Currently, this disease is widespread throughout the world, with the exception of Antarctica.
Hematophagous female mosquitoes of the Culex, Aedes and Anopheless genera are the main vectors of heartworm. As these parasites cannot develop their larvae in the external environment, they need an intermediate host to carry out their reproductive cycle. For this reason, they lodge in the body of other animals, to allow their larvae to transform into immature worms.
When a contaminated mosquito bites a dog, it becomes the gateway for the immature worms to enter the canine body. After entering the body, these immature parasites reproduce very rapidly and spread throughout all tissues of the body via the bloodstream.
When they reach maturity (which can take between 80 and 120 days), these worms lodge mainly in the heart and lung to continue their life cycle.
Canine heartworm symptoms
Many dogs show no symptoms after days or weeks of being infected by the Dirofilaria immitis worm. For this reason, regular visits to the veterinarian are usually of great help for the early detection of these parasites.
However, the following symptoms may occur in dogs with heartworm:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath and excessive tiredness after performing simple tasks
- Exercise intolerance
- Weight and appetite loss
- Heart rate acceleration
- Bleeding from the mouth and/or nose
- Generalized weakness, apathy, or depression
- Fainting
- Anorexia and malnutrition (as extreme consequences of lack of appetite)
The prognosis of canine heartworm disease depends fundamentally on early diagnosis, since treatment must be started quickly to eliminate the larvae and worms adults, in addition to avoiding irreversible damage to organs. For this reason, it is essential to pay attention to the first symptoms of this disease and go to the vet quickly to verify the state of he alth of your best friend.
Leishmania or canine leishmaniasis
leishmaniosis, leishmaniasis or leishmania is a severe parasitic disease that includes various severe infectious processes. It can affect dogs of all ages, whether they are mestizos or of a defined breed, and can also be transmitted to other species. The "phlebotomine mosquitoes" of the family Psychodidae are the vectors of this disease, caused by microscopic protozoa of the genus Leishmania.
This is a chronic disease, whose treatment must be started quickly to avoid serious injuries and preserve the he alth of the animal. A dog that is diagnosed early and receives effective treatment can have a good quality of life for several years. For this reason, once again we remind you of the importance of going to the vet when observing any alteration in the appearance or behavior of your furry dog.
Many people believe that leishmaniasis in dogs is contagious, but it is important to note that there is no contagion of leishmaniasis in humans, nor is it spread from one dog to another.
Symptoms of leishmania in dogs
After being infected with leishmania, dogs experience an incubation period that can last from 3 to 18 months. When the symptomatic phase begins, the signs of leishmaniasis can be diverse, but they usually affect mainly the skin of the animal Among the most frequent symptoms of leishmania in dogs, we find:
- Hair loss (usually more intense on the legs and around the head)
- Flaking or "dandruff" (exfoliative dermatitis)
- Skin lesions, mainly around the eyes, ears and extremities
- Sudden loss of appetite and weight (may lead to malnutrition in more severe cases)
- Secondary skin infections (derived from open or unhealed wounds)
- In more serious cases, the animal may present complex symptoms associated with partial or total loss of kidney function
There are some vaccines against leishmania that we can apply in veterinary centers, as another form of prevention, however, many people continue to wonder how canine leishmaniasis is cured, without knowing that the treatment of leishmania it will be chronic, since there is no definitive cure
How to avoid mosquito bites in dogs?
The most effective way to prevent mosquito bites and, therefore, the diseases they can cause in dogs, is through proper preventive medicine. Regular dog deworming with specific products is the safest method. In the market we can find different formats, including pills, pipettes, collars and aerosols We always recommend consulting with the veterinarian to choose the most suitable product according to the parasites present in our country or the clinical history of the can.
In addition, there are some very useful home remedies that we can use to prevent mosquito bites in dogs. Discover on our site how to make a homemade mosquito repellent for dogs.
Home remedies to repel mosquitoes from home
In addition to protecting our dogs with specific products and natural remedies, we can also carry out extra measures to repel mosquitoes from our home, thus protecting ourselves and all the members of our family. Here are some home remedies to repel mosquitoes from home that you cannot miss:
- Install mosquito nets on the windows and doors of the house.
- Avoid having dense vegetation or accumulating moisture in the home environment.
- Clean and empty all containers that can collect rainwater and serve as a deposit for mosquito larvae.
- Use commercial mosquito repellent or learn how to make homemade insect repellant. It is essential to remember that repellents intended for human use should not be applied to dogs.
- Mosquitoes thrive mainly in warmer climates. For this reason, when the highest temperatures approach, remember to reinforce preventive measures, mainly when exposing yourself outdoors.
