Spring has (almost) sprung! Finally, we can get back outside with our pets, enjoy the sunshine, and stretch our legs a little as we get ready for warmer days. However, while the winter weather might not be such a concern anymore, there are other potential hazards for pet owners to keep in mind.
In this guide, we’ll be covering eight of the most common springtime pests that can harm our pets here in BC, and explain how to keep your pets safely protected all season long.
Mosquitoes
Taking the top spot is one of the most universally disliked animals on the planet: the irritating, bloodsucking mosquito, which begins to appear as the weather warms. These insects are as much of a nuisance for pets as for people, leaving itchy, inflamed bites that can cause itching, gnawing, or infections in your pets. However, there’s an additional risk for our pets: heartworm.
Heartworm is a parasite that is transmitted to animals through mosquitoes. Heartworm can be a very serious disease, with symptoms ranging from mild coughing to cardiovascular collapse. Your vet will prescribe your pet a monthly medication that will prevent heartworm infestation, and will usually test your pet for heartworm during regular check-ups. If you have large bodies of standing water on your property, we suggest treating them to kill mosquito colonies.
Fleas
Fleas are another notorious pest. While these tiny, bloodsucking insects don’t tend to be attracted to humans, they love to catch a ride in the fur of dogs and outdoor cats, leading to irritation of the skin or even anemia in cases of severe infestation. Fleas often appear in larger numbers during the spring compared to the summer.
Fortunately, it’s quite easy to protect your pets from fleas. Your vet can prescribe you a monthly treatment that kills fleas on contact with your pet. Flea preventives are available in topical as well as oral chew tabs.
Ticks
Ticks are another bloodsucking insect that tend to become more prevalent in spring. They burrow into the skin of their host animal. Ticks typically do not cause any irritation and can go unnoticed unless found engorged by the owners. Ticks are carriers for many infectious agents such as Lyme disease, etc. The good news is that these unpleasant insects can be prevented in the same way as fleas—in fact, many anti-flea medications also protect your pet from ticks. Talk to your veterinarian about the best solution to prevent ticks from biting your pets.
Ants
While ants might seem quite harmless to us, they can be a serious pest for your pets. While regular black ants generally can’t do much to your pet aside from a small, irritating bite, fire ants are more of a concern in BC, and you’ll likely spot more of them as winter comes to a close. These small, red ants have a painful, venomous bite which can cause an allergic reaction in your pet. Pay attention to where your dog is sniffing on walks, and keep them away from large groups of ants or anthills.
Stinging Insects
We’ll begin to see more bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and so on as we get into spring. These insects all have a painful sting which can cause serious pain, swelling, or even an allergic reaction in your dog. While one sting may not be too concerning, multiple stings can create a very dangerous situation for your pet—they will likely need urgent vet care to help reduce the inflammation and any other reaction. If you have a stinging insect nest or hive on your property, we suggest having it removed. Some animals may be sensitive to these stings and present with an anaphylactic reaction in the form of face swelling, extreme itchiness, heaves, etc. These types of reactions require veterinary care.
Spiders
Although spiders are active year-round, we tend to see more of them as the weather warms up. While most spiders are more or less harmless to dogs, there are two in BC that you should be aware of: the brown recluse and the black widow. These two spiders have extremely venomous bites, even for humans. For pets (and especially small pets), a bite from one of these spiders can be a very serious emergency requiring immediate medical attention. If you have a venomous spider infestation in your home, it’s best to get an exterminator to eradicate them.
Caterpillars
These slow, fuzzy insects might not come to mind when you think of pests, but they can actually pose a hazard to your pets. Caterpillars appear in higher numbers during springtime, before metamorphosing into butterflies or moths in summer. Some types of caterpillars have a mildly venomous sting which can cause swelling and irritation in your pet. Others are covered in pointy, near-microscopic hairs which can cause mouth and throat irritation in your pet if they’re eaten. If you see your pet spot a caterpillar, it’s best to steer them clear of it entirely.
Rodents
Mice and rats are active all year round, but you may notice more of them in your home during the beginning of spring when the breeding season begins. Not only can rodents bite back at any cat or dog that takes an interest in them, but they’re also often infested with fleas, parasites, bacteria, and other pet hazards. Many of these parasites and diseases can be transmitted to your pet if they get a chance to eat a mouse or rat, causing potentially serious health issues. If you have an infestation of rats or mice at home, it’s best to hire an exterminator to eliminate them. Rodents can also be carriers of leptospira bacteria, shedding of which can cause serious illness in case of exposure. Thankfully, dogs can be vaccinated against this disease. Please consult with your veterinarian if this vaccination is appropriate for your pet.
It might seem like spring is a time of great caution for pet owners, but the truth is, the good of the season far outweighs the bad. With knowledge of the most common springtime pet pests in BC and a keen sense of preventative care, you can focus on enjoying the warmer weather with your furry friend.
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