January is official One Health Awareness Month. One Health is the concept that human, animal, and environmental health are all connected. This global initiative involves experts working together to improve health worldwide. How does this apply to you and your pet? The most obvious connection is vector-borne illnesses which are common or on the rise in our area.
Vector-borne illnesses are diseases passed to humans and/or animals via blood-feeding insects, namely fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. These diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa, or parasites that these pesky insects transmit. Some of these illnesses pose serious health risks to you and/or your pets.
FLEAS
Fleas have been known to transmit disease throughout human history, including the bubonic plague which originated in Asia and spread to Europe via fleas on rats on trading ships in the 14th century. Although it is rare today, fleas can still transmit plague bacteria. They can also infect humans or pets with typhus, cat scratch fever, and tapeworms. In addition to transmitting disease and parasites, a serious pet flea infection can result in skin irritation/infections, hair loss, anemia, and psychological stress for your animals.
TICKS
Ticks also pose a real danger to humans, dogs, cats, and other animals. Most of us have heard of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease and know that they can have long-term effects on human health and, in extreme cases, can even cause death. But, did you know that both these diseases can also affect your cat or dog? They can along with many other dangerous tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis, cat scratch fever, cytauxzoonosis, rabbit fever, and hepatozoonosis.
MOSQUITIOS
Finally, mosquitos transmit heartworm to dogs, and less commonly to cats. Fleas also carry Tularemia, West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, La Crosse encephalitis, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus. Many of these diseases are Zoonotic, meaning they can infect both humans and animals. Mosquito bites can also cause ulcerated sores and skin infections in pets.
Many vector-borne illnesses seem to be on the rise in our region due to a warmer climate, increasing deer and wildlife populations in suburban areas, and increased worldwide travel and shipping. But, don’t despair! It’s fairly easy to also increase the level of protection for your pets and family for a safer home and safer community. Even in the winter, we should keep in mind all the tips below to prevent the spread of dangerous illnesses.
Steps for protection from Fleas and Ticks:
- Use an oral or topical tick and flea prevention product as directed for your pet. We are here to help you make the decision on which is best for your pet and your family. Some factors to consider are: animal breed, age, health, lifestyle, access to the outdoors, small children or multiple animals in the household, and bathing/swimming habits of the animal being treated.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when hiking.
- Use an insect repellent but avoid contact with mouth, eyes, and covered skin.
- Treat your clothing, camping boots and gear with a product containing 0.5% permethrin.
- Dab or spray pennyroyal or eucalyptus essential oils on your skin or clothes. Do not ingest these oils!.
- Eat beans and legumes. They are high in Vitamin B1 which has a smell these insects dislike.
- Do not try to feed or pet wild and stray animals.
- Don’t touch sick or dead animals.
Steps to Protect Your Family and Pets from Mosquitos:
- Give your pet heartworm prevention medication.
- Make sure all window and door screens are in good repair, and keep exterior and garage doors closed.
- Use air conditioning.
- Remove standing water (mosquito breeding grounds) around your home or campsite. Change the water in bird baths, vases, and pet drinking bowls at least once a week.
- Keep shrubs and grass near your home trimmed.
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outside.
- Cover beds and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Plan your outdoor time when mosquitos are less active (middle of the day).
- Use an insect repellent as mentioned above.
- Use mosquito-repellent candles or coils in your outdoor spaces.
- Consider using a service that offers an eco-friendly, natural mosquito control spray option.
If you have any questions about the information above, feel free to contact our office.
336-644-1522