How to Protect Your Pets from Pests This Monsoon Season
During the Arizona monsoon season, all bets are off – unless you are prepared! And, you know as well as we do, that the list of preparations this time of year can be long.
One item on the to-do list which is commonly forgotten includes pest prevention for your pets.
Why is this so important this time of year?
During monsoon season, vectors – mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks – thrive.
In this blog, we will explain the risks associated with pests during monsoon season and help you create a plan for your pet’s health.
Phew, one less item on the to-do list.
The Risk of Mosquitoes During Arizona Monsoon Season
Arizona monsoon storm season typically begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of September. This season is well known for increased humidity, rainfall, and higher temperatures (should we say melting temperatures), all of which create ideal breeding conditions for the ultimate pest: The mosquito.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which raining and flooding easily create. Additionally, mosquitoes breed quickly, meaning that their population can increase at rapid rates.
Mosquitoes are particularly dangerous for pets because they are vectors for several serious diseases, most notably heartworm disease.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a very serious condition caused by a parasitic worm. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that carry the larvae of said worm: Dirofilaria immitis.
When an infected mosquito bites a pet, it deposits the larvae, which enters the bloodstream and matures in the heart and lungs, causing severe health issues over time.
In dogs, heartworm infection can lead to symptoms such as coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, and heart failure in severe cases, while in cats, symptoms can include coughing, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
Treating heartworm in dogs is painful, expensive, and involves strict exercise restriction, and there is no approved treatment for heartworm in cats.
This means that prevention is the best medicine!
How to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Your Pets
Given the severity of heartworm disease and the lack of effective treatments for cats, prevention is key.
It is important that you are diligent in administering heartworm prevention medication especially during mosquito-heavy seasons like monsoon season.
Here’s what we recommend at Revel Vet:
- Administer monthly heartworm preventatives, on a year-round basis.
- Have your pet tested on an annual basis for heartworm. Preventatives are not 100% effective, so this is important to continue to test.
- Protect your pet’s environment. Do your best to remove standing water in your backyard and use pet-safe mosquito control products as needed.
By taking these preventative steps, you are already light years ahead on protecting your pet from the increased risk of heartworm disease during Arizona’s monsoon season!
Other Monsoon Season Pests: Fleas and Ticks
Monsoon season conditions also create favorable conditions for fleas and ticks. These pests thrive in warm, moist environments, making preventative measures for pets crucial during this period.
Fleas and ticks can also transmit various diseases to pets. Fleas can cause allergic reactions, tapeworm infestations, and flea allergy dermatitis, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Here is your Revel-approved flea and tick pet prevention plan:
- Use monthly treatments that protect against fleas and ticks. There are topical and oral options; Talk to us about what is best for your pet at your next appointment!
- Keep your environment clean.
a) Regularly mow the lawn and remove any litter or debris where pests can hide.
b) Vacuum carpets, furniture, and wash pet beds frequently to reduce the likelihood of flea eggs.
- Regularly bathe your pet, especially after outdoor activities.
- Inspect your pet daily, especially after outdoor activities, for any pests.
Yes, the monsoon season in Arizona brings a heightened risk of pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, which pose significant health threats to pets.
The good news is that with consistent preventative measures, such as regular use of heartworm preventatives, flea and tick medications, and maintaining a clean environment both indoors and outdoors, you can protect your pet.
Book your next appointment at Revel today and let’s work together to create a personalized pest control plan for you and your pet. Monsoon season will be over before you know it and you will have made it through thriving!
*Our location: 24754 South Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
