As summer comes to a slow close, the hot topic in the woods of Vermont is West Nile Virus. It’s been found in our beautiful, buggy state in mosquito samples from multiple towns and counties. And it’s definitely scary stuff.
Are you doing all you can to protect your pets from this virus? Read on for our tips.
Don’t stand for standing water
Begin protection at the source by minimizing mosquito breeding around your property. Get rid of cans, empty planters, bird baths – anything that could hold water as a breeding ground. That includes checking your pool cover, gutters and other surfaces.
Mosquitos will breed in recycling containers that fill with rain, too, so drill a hole in the bottom to create a drain.
Nighttime is flight time
So leave the dogs and cats indoors between dusk and dawn to reduce exposure. If you have to take your dog out at night for a bathroom break, refer to tip 3.
Spray or wipe to avoid the bite
Vetri-Repel is a blend of Brazilian oils that creates a natural force field to shield pets from pesky mosquitos (or fleas, ticks and other unwelcome visitors).
For centuries, the indigenous people of the Amazon forests have used these oils to keep pests from detecting the desirable scents of their skin.
With no known toxic effects, no synthetic chemicals and no drugs, Repel is an excellent option for no mosquitos – whether you’re a wipe or spray kind of person.
Get plenty of screen time
Check your screens for holes today. If they’re broken, now’s a great time to replace them – even though it’s summer’s end. You won’t regret it next year, either!
Play dress up
Of course this isn’t necessary for every bathroom trip, but having a long sleeve dog coat and booties around for the current mosquito infestation is an excellent added precaution.
My pet was bitten – now what?
Most often, dogs and cats don’t exhibit symptoms of West Nile. But if you see the signs or suspect a bite (and you live in a compromised location), a trip to the vet is in order.
Symptoms include: depression, decreased appetite, difficulty with movement, tremors, circling, convulsions, or regular flu-like symptoms, including lethargy. Treatment is usually related to symptoms and meant to be supportive, as no cure exists.
There’s no surefire way to protect your pets from WNV, but these preventative steps – plus seeking treatment should symptoms arise – are your best choices.
Do you have any tips we left out? Have you or your pets ever experienced West Nile Virus? Share your tips and stories on our Facebook page
