We're entering peak mosquito season and it's not just an issue for our human family members.
It's common for cats and dogs to be bitten by mosquitoes, says Anne Chester, chief veterinary officer for RSPCA Queensland.
But before you reach for your mozzie spray to share with your pets, there are a few important things to know, including that some human insect repellents are toxic to cats and dogs.
Are mosquito bites a problem for dogs and cats?
Dr Chester says most pets won't be bothered by the bites, however the risk of heartworm disease, which is spread by mosquitoes and can be fatal, is real, particularly in humid and coastal regions.
Generally, if your pet is treated for heartworm, a mosquito bite won't be harmful, Dr Chester says.
“Most of the time [the bite] will go away by itself and settle down.”
However, some animals can get hypersensitivity, where you may notice raised lesions on hairless or sparsely haired areas like their ears and nose.
In those instances, Dr Chester says it can be worth seeking veterinary advice.
Can you use human repellent on pets?
It might seem intuitive to spray your pet for mozzies while you are doing it for yourself, but it's not a good idea.
Dr Chester warns that some repellent ingredients commonly found in human products are toxic to pets, including DEET.
“They can have adverse side-effects,” she says.
There's no need to worry spraying it in the same area as your pet, but direct contact could cause an issue.
Dr Chester says some animals might be sensitive to citronella products like candles, used to repel mosquitoes from an area. But she says generally, they won't be harmful.
Citronella plants, however, are toxic to pets.
Some essential oils used by people to treat bites, including eucalyptus, are also dangerous to pets, says Samantha Livingstone.
She's head of emergency and critical care at the University of Sydney's Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
And if you have “natural” repellent, whether it's marketed for yourself or your animal, Dr Livingstone says that doesn't necessarily mean it's safe for pets, or that it works.
“Unfortunately there is no evidence to say any of those more natural things can help.”
What is the best way to keep mosquitoes away from pets?
There are preventative treatments for heartworm, which we mention in the following sections.
You should decide on what is best in consultation with your vet.
However, if you are looking to reduce your pet's exposure to mosquitoes for their comfort and wellness beyond heartworm risk, certain treatments and environmental changes can help.
Dr Livingstone says there are collars available for cats and dogs that can help protect against mosquitoes, as well as fleas and ticks.
For dogs only, she says there are also insecticide rinses and sprays.
Keeping mosquito numbers down around your home and yard can also be effective.
“Removing stagnant water, having fly screens, keeping pets inside [at dusk]” will also help, Dr Livingstone says.
Heartworm disease
Keeping mosquito numbers down around your home and yard can reduce bite risk. (Pexels)
Heartworm disease is caused by a blood parasite that is spread by mosquitoes and can be fatal, Dr Chester explains.
The worms are called “heartworms” because they live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of an infected animal.
“As the disease progresses, [the animal] can cough, have a reduced exercise tolerance, and worst case scenario, it can cause heart failure and death,” says Dr Chester.
She says people are more likely to notice symptoms in dogs, because we don't typically take cats for walks where they would show signs of reduced exercise tolerance.
Therefore in cats, Dr Chester says it can be a “silent killer”.
Heartworm prevention treatment
The best way to protect your cats and dogs from heartworm is to take preventative action with medication.
This can be in the form of monthly chewable tablets, topical/spot-on applications, or a yearly injection from a vet, says Dr Chester.
Some chewable and topical applications are combination treatments that also include protection against fleas and ticks.
Dr Chester says pet owners should speak to their vet about what will best suit their animal and budget.
Dr Livingstone says people who have lapsed on their pet's heartworm preventative treatment, or have not given it to them before, should chat to their vet before doing so.
“Certain preventatives you shouldn't give before testing.”
