Everyone that owns a dog or a cat knows the importance of treating them for fleas and keeping a close watch for ticks in the area. These are the two prime pests to be vigilant about when you’re a responsible pet owner, but they aren’t the only ones. Pets are resilient, but they are at much greater risk of harm from insects and other critters than people. If you want to make sure your pets are protected, here are some other pests you should know about.
Mosquitoes
These blood suckers are also disease-carrying machines. Everyone is aware of the West Nile Virus dangers that mosquitoes can pose to humans, however, they also carry multiple disease that can harm your pets. The West Nile Virus can also impact your pets with the same flu-like symptoms and potential damage to the nervous systems that humans exhibit. Add to that potential threats such as heartworms and St. Louis Encephalitis and mosquitoes can quickly go from an annoyance to a health risk to you and your pets.
Spiders
You may shudder at the thought of running into a black widow while you make your morning coffee, but you can at least be thankful that a bite from one of these ominous-looking spiders is unlikely to be fatal. The same can’t be said for your pets. Black widows and brown recluses pose considerable danger to dogs and cats. Familiarize yourself with the first signs of a spider bite, and be vigilant about watching for spiders in and around your home.
Fire Ants
If you’ve ever been bitten by a fire ant, you don’t need anyone else to tell you how painful it can be. You have the sense to avoid an ant mound if you see one in the lawn, but your pet doesn’t have the same reasoning skills. Fire ant bites send hundreds of pets to animal clinics every year. Though the repercussions are seldom serious, it certainly isn’t a fun experience for any pet to go through.
Giant Toads
Does your dog shy away from toads and frogs when it sees them, or does it get closer for further investigation? Most frogs and toads are harmless to your pets, but the giant toad can present some problems. They secrete a toxin from their skin. If your dog happens to lick the toad or pick it up in his mouth, it could experience excessive drooling, seizures, or even heart failure.
Bees
There has been a lot of talk recently about preserving bees in the face of mass extinction. While this is admirable, it doesn’t mean you have to harbor bees on your property. Bees not only pose a threat to humans, but they can deliver a wallop of pain to your pet. Fatal reactions are uncommon, but it’s better to keep your pet clear of bees if you can.
Practicing Good Pest Control
If you’re serious about keeping your pets safe from fleas, ticks, and more unexpected sources of critter danger, you need a professional pest control company on your side. Call ABC Home & Commercial Services to find out what you can do to keep your Houston pets protected from pests.