(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) Bugs are small, yet they can cause massive health problems for pets and humans. It is important to remember that you’re not just protecting your pet from bugs - you are also protecting your household! From fleas and ticks to mosquitoes and mites, these pests can spread disease, cause skin irritation and itchiness, and make your pet miserable. So with proper preventative care and some knowledge, you can keep your dog, cat, and your family safe.

In this guide, you will learn practical strategies for keeping bugs away from your furry friend, both inside and outside your home. Prevention is the easiest way to keep bugs away and it will keep your pet happy and healthy. 

Understanding the Risks

Although bugs may seem like a seasonal nuisance to pets, they can pose a serious health threat. External parasites are known carriers of harmful diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans. Here are the parasites that can infest your pet and transmit disease:

• Fleas can cause intense itching and allergic reactions. They can also transmit tapeworms and even the bacteria Bartonella (in cats), which can be, in turn, transmitted to humans. Infection with Bartonella spp. in humans is called cat scratch disease.

• Ticks can spread Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.

• Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease, which is potentially fatal to both dogs and cats.

• Mites are often invisible to the naked eye, can lead to skin infections and mange.

Even if you keep your pets indoors, that doesn't mean they are 100% safe from bugs. They can enter your home through open doors or windows. You can pick them up from outside, carry them inside on your clothes, and then they will settle on your pet's skin and into your home. Once inside, they will multiply and spread quickly. Therefore, understanding the risks can help you recognize early signs of infestation and take appropriate preventative measures.

If your dog or cat shows clinical signs such as excessive scratching, unexplained wounds, signs of pain, or swelling, contact your veterinarian. If you see fleas or ticks on your pet or in your home you should contact the vet. Symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing after an insect bite may signal an emergency. Prompt veterinary care can prevent serious problems and keep your pet safe.

Indoor Bug Prevention Tips

Here are some steps you can take to keep bugs away from your dog or cat indoors:

1. Clean your home regularly

Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently to remove fleas and mites, whether adults, larvae, or eggs. Focus on the areas where your pet spends the most time (for example, in and around the bed, couch, and other areas). Keep in mind that once fleas and mites are in your home, they will begin to reproduce if they find favorable conditions. Additionally, they will concentrate on the areas where your pet spends the most time.

2. Use repellent products

Use sprays or other repellents that are safe for pets (i.e., are specifically formulated to be non-toxic to dogs and cats). Do not use common household products and never use them directly on your pet.

3. Wash the bedding and your pet's toys

Wash bedding, toys, and blankets weekly or more often with hot water and detergent to kill bugs and their eggs.

4. Seal the cracks around your windows and doors

If you have cracks, gaps, or crevices around doors and windows, seal them because that is where bugs can get in. Using bug screens for your windows and doors to keep them out, especially with mosquitoes.

Outdoor Protection Strategies

You can greatly reduce the risk of your dog or cat being exposed to bugs indoors by following outdoor protection measures. Below are some tips to help keep bugs off your pet outdoors:

Maintain a clean, safe environment

You can reduce the risk of massive infestations by keeping your lawn mowed regularly and removing debris (junk) where bugs might hide. Also, don't leave containers with stale or standing water because they are a favorable environment for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Preventing mosquito breeding involves regularly emptying or cleaning these sources of standing water, especially after rain. 

1. Fence your yard

Fencing your yard can help limit your pet's exposure to stray or wild animals. These animals often carry fleas and ticks, making them potential sources of infestation. 

2. Avoiding bug-prone areas when you go for a walk

Avoid areas with tall grass, bushes, or standing water as much as possible. These are ideal places for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

3. Walk your pet in the early morning or late evening

Bugs are less active in the early morning or late evening. As a result, walking your pet at certain times of day can limit their exposure to bugs. However, keep in mind that mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk.

These outdoor strategies combined can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of insect bites and related health problems.

Preventive Products That Work

Using preventative anti-parasitic products is essential to keeping bugs away from your dog or cat.

Flea, tick, mosquito, and mite control products are available in various forms at the vet clinic, vet pharmacy, and pet store. They come in the form of oral treatments, topical treatments, and collars. Each of these offer reliable protection if used correctly and according to your pet's weight.

If you're not a fan of conventional products, there are natural alternatives (plant-based sprays or essential oils). However, keep in mind that they are not 100% effective and should be used with caution. Some ingredients can be toxic to pets, especially those found in essential oils. 

Grooming and Skin Checks

You can protect your pet from fleas and tick bites by regularly checking and grooming their skin. Here's how you can do this:

• Carefully inspect your dog or cat's fur and skin whenever you get back home from a walk, paying special attention to their feet, around their neck, and behind their ears.

• Bathe your pet with a pet-safe shampoo or anti-parasitic shampoo. Always consult your veterinarian or the product label for information on how often to bathe your pet. Do not use human shampoo because it may disrupt the natural pH balance and cause various skin problems like dryness, irritation, or, even, infections.

• Brush your dog or cat regularly. In addition to keeping their fur healthy, this can help identify fleas and ticks early.

Early detection of external parasites can prevent massive infestations and serious health problems. So, make grooming a constant routine to maintain your pet's comfort and well-being.

When to Seek Professional Help

There are times when professional help can be useful. These situations usually occur when there are recurring infestations or signs of bugs despite your best efforts to keep these pests away from your pet and your home. If this is your case, it may be time to call for a professional pest control service. Experts will use pet-safe products and treat your home effectively. 

Additionally, if your dog or cat shows signs of external parasites such as excessive itching and scratching, flea droppings/dirt, visible fleas and ticks, or signs of discomfort, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible, as persistent problems may require medical treatment. Do not wait too long because bugs don’t go away on their own, and they can also transmit serious, even fatal, diseases to your pet. 

Iuliana graduated from the University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Romania. She has a Master’s degree in Small Animal and Equines Pathology and a strong affinity for Veterinary Parasitology and Laboratory. In 2013 she started her Ph.D. in epithelial cancer in dogs and cats. She volunteered at the faculty’s clinic in her 3rd year of study, and continued her career in small animal pathology and laboratory. She has one cat and eleven rats. Her interests outside of work include traveling, writing, and crafting.