How to Protect Your Pet from Parasites and Mosquitoes in Summer

Summer and holidays are the ideal time to enjoy more time with our pets: outdoor walks, trips, parks... But it is also the favourite season for external parasites and mosquitoes, which poses a threat to the health of dogs and cats. At Farmaciasdirect, we explain how you can protect your pet from parasites and mosquitoes effectively.

Why it is important to protect your pet from parasites and mosquitoes

Parasites are living organisms that need another living being to survive, harming them in the process. They cause discomfort, itching and irritation... but the real problem is that they can transmit diseases to our dogs and cats.

As for external parasites, the most common are fleas and ticks:

• Fleas: they can cause allergies, anaemia and transmit tapeworm (anintestinal parasite that appears as a long, flat worm - a cestode).
• Ticks: they can transmit Lyme disease, among other conditions.

Parasites in summer

Summer means warmer temperatures and humidity, two factors that encourage the spread of parasites. Parasites develop outdoors, which are the places our pets usually frequent, so the risk of contact and transmission with these species is higher.

Mosquitoes in summer

But in summer, we do not only need to pay attention to parasites, but also to mosquitoes. These insects are also vectors that, through their bite, can transmit diseases to our pet: heartworm disease (it affects the cardiovascular and pulmonary system and can be fatal) or leishmaniasis (it affects the liver, kidneys and skin).

For all these reasons, prevention plays a fundamental role in looking after our pets and protecting their health.

How to protect your pet effectively

Protecting our dogs from parasites and mosquitoes must be complete, comprehensive and adapted to each pet: their characteristics, weight, age, lifestyle and breed...

The key prevention measures are as follows:

1. Regular deworming

Our furry friends need internal and external parasite control:

• Internal: every 3 months (in tablet or pipette form).
• External: every month (in the form of pipettes or collars).

Pay attention to the product: there are many types on the market. The most effective are those that offer protection against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and mites in a single application.

2. Protection against mosquitoes

To provide our pets with complete protection, we use:

• Repellent sprays for dogs, specifically designed for them, as products for humans can be toxic to them.
• Antiparasitic pipettes with a repellent effect.
• Antiparasitic collars and repellents.

3. Other preventive measures

There are other preventive measures that should complement deworming and protection, including the following:

• Keep all their belongings clean and disinfected: bed, toys, towels, blankets, brushes...
• Vacuum and clean frequently to prevent parasites in the home.
• Use mosquito screens to stop mosquitoes getting into your home.
• Check their coat or skin after walks.
• Avoid the hours around dawn and dusk.
• Be careful in areas with tall vegetation or standing water.

The best products to protect your dog

Antiparasitic collars

• Preventdog by Virbac: This is a collar impregnated with an antiparasitic active ingredient (4% deltamethrin ) that helps prevent sandfly bites for 12 months, and mosquitoes and ticks for 6 months).
• Stanvet Life by Stangest: its antiparasitic collars offer natural protection for 4 months against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. They achieve this thanks to their formula with geraniol, neem and citriodiol. They are water-resistant and feature a safety fastening to prevent the dog from losing the collar. Puppies from 2 months of age can use them.

There are different collar types and sizes depending on the animal’s weight, breed and size.

Parasite and mosquito repellents

If you would rather choose other antiparasitic and anti-mosquito formats, we recommend Stanvet Life Spray Repellent, a repellent spray that can be used on the pet and on the surfaces of their belongings and your home. Formulated with 5 essential oils, it effectively repels fleas, ticks and other insects.

Another option is Stanvet Life pipettes, which offer protection against parasites and insects and can be used on both your dog and your cat.

And that is everything you need to know about how to protect your pet from parasites, mosquitoes and other insects, so that you can enjoy the summer safely with your furry companion.