Hello everyone,
There was a really frightening report on our local news this morning. I guess the first bird has been found dead of West Nile in our state (Michigan). This is a lot earlier than it happened last year. They said that Michigan was second only to Illinois in number of human cases last year! They're recommending DEET for humans and the new Advantix for dogs. I called our vets' office this morning, and asked them what they recommend about this. The person I talked to said the office isn't carrying Advantix yet, because it's so new they don't have all the info they want on it yet. I appreciated this caution. She then told me that they do carry a spray and a gel that they know is safe for dogs. She had to go before I could ask what it was, so I thought I'd ask here if you know of dog-safe mosquito repellant sprays or gels? I'm planning to stop there on Saturday, but I'm curious what these products might be. The other thing we're definitely planning on is not leaving Mr. Blue outside for any length of time in the evenings, when the evil mosquitoes are really out.
West Nile virus & dogs...talked to our vets, and a quest
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Mary Plummer
- Posts: 908
- Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2003 8:29 am
- Location: Michigan
Mary, you can find updates at the CDC site, I think veterinary comments are included..
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus
..........Traci
Mary, one product I've used...msg
is called PetGuard mosquito repellent gel. It is nice in that you rub it in your hands and spread it onto your dog's coat. It seems to work pretty well, but must be reapplied often. (kinda like suntan lotion) That new Advantix does sound like a great product, but I haven't tried it yet either. We've had a few cases of WNV in horses at school and a few dogs have come up with it in WI. It is a scary emerging disease. There is actually a vaccine for horses, but none yet for dogs.
My understanding of West Nile is that it does not affect canines. It apparently does infect them (antibodies have been found), but they do not get sick. Only one apparent case of symptomatic canine West Nile infection has been documented, which has been disputed. This is an avian disease that infects other species incidentally. Horses are at high risk; most human cases are non-fatal. Personally, I'd be much more concerned about heartworm disease from mosquitos than WNV. (And the state bird of Florida IS the mosquito!).
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
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Mary Plummer
- Posts: 908
- Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2003 8:29 am
- Location: Michigan
I worry about heartworm too, but Mr. Blue takes his...
...Interceptor all year round. Our vets said they wanted him on it all year, because he's already had heartworm once and they don't want him getting re-infected with it (we don't either, of course!) I think I worry about West Nile, because I don't ever want one of your "state birds" to make him sick again. Also, if what I had when I got so sick last year was West Nile, I sure don't want him getting it (or any people, either). Call me a worrier about this, and I'll accept that designation 
advantix
Hey Mary there is some flea and tick control out there called Advantix. It is supose to repel mosquitos however it is very toxic to cats so if you are having a problem with mosquitos and you dont have any cats give it a try.