Camping with Your Dog: Pest Repellent Tips

It is getting to be summer time, and the warm air may be inspiring many to get packed and head out camping. Some will be taking friends, family or their beloved pets along with them. You always want to make sure that you are safe and that anyone tagging along is too. When you're packing needed supplies for the trip, don't forget to take things that your dog will need also. There are many different types of mosquitoes, fleas, biting flies and ticks that will target humans and animals alike. These insects carry various diseases that can cause illness and possibly even death. In America, mosquitoes can transmit St. Louis encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) and West Nile virus. If one is bitten by a fly, a very painful, swollen sore will follow which can become infected and spread. One can get Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Ehrlichiosis from ticks.

Dogs, just like us, aren't immune to the diseases that are carried through insect bites, so you will want to use a repellent on them and yourself. There are many precautions you must take when using insect repellents, as they contain chemicals that can be dangerous. Human insect repellents are not approved to use on dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. There are, however, repellents that are made to use just for them. The best way to protect yourself from bites is to attempt using non chemical deterrents, such as using barriers like windows and nets. Wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts, and socks may also prove effective. If this isn't an option, then choose an insect repellent with caution and always read the labels. This will serve as a guide to safety as to proper handling and application. Those which do not bear an EPA registration number have not been evaluated, so it is best to choose repellents that have.

Now, as far as what to do about keeping your dog from being bitten by insects, you do have different choices. Different pet stores have insect repellents that are made just for dogs and other domesticated animals. Petco for example, sells Farnam Insect Lotion for dogs for around $10.00 that you spray onto them that protects from flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. Bio Spot On is recommended to fight against fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. Some people also rather go natural and use herbal insect concoctions. Some claim that citrus with water is harmless to dogs and will keep bugs away from you and your pet. It is very important to inhibit mosquito bites so that they will not transmit heart worms to your dog. It is not recommended that you use any product containing DEET on a dog or cat, because this chemical is known to cause neurological problems following application.

If you are already using Frontline or K9 Advantix on your pet, then you should know that these already contain mosquito repellent. Try to use an insect inhibitor that is pet friendly on yourself as well since licking your skin when it has a poisonous substance coating it could make the dog sick or worse. You don't want fleas infesting your pet, for they cause a whole host of problems. Your dog can get tapeworms, become anemic, have skin irritations, allergic reactions, or can die. Apple cider vinegar used to rinse your pet in is known to keep fleas at bay. Homemade bug repellents containing lemon oil, rosemary oil, lavender, peppermint, and geranium essential oils have been shown to dispel bugs. Many pet owners sing the praises of using Avon Skin-So-Soft on themselves, children, and their dogs or cats.

At the University of Illinois in 2002, the first confirmed case of death of a canine due to infection from the West Nile Virus was documented. Fever, lethargy, or any other odd behavior of your pet is indicative of this virus and should be immediately followed with an emergency visit to your pet's regular veterinarian.There have been no indications that animals that have been infected can then give it to a human, and full recovery from this virus is likely when caught early and dealt with in a timely manner by a professional. Regardless of what type of insect repellent you decide to use, always take precautions. Read all of your labels to see what ingredients are in the products you will be using. Ask your doctor and your pet's veterinarian before using anything and for recommendations on things that are safe for you both. Prevention is key when dealing with insect bites. Using collars, sprays, lotions, and oils so that infestation doesn't occur may save your dog's good health or life. Pets are just like any other member of a family and should be taken care of to give them many more healthy years to come.