As of this week, it is officially Summer and with summer comes a multitude of outdoor activities to enjoy, for both you and your pets! Our four legged friends are coming out with us to enjoy warmer weather in parks, campgrounds, forests or even our own backyard. It’s all fun and games but we need to keep in the mind the possible pest infestations and well-being of our hairy best friends (not you, tom).
Dogs and cats are both susceptible to catching all sorts of terrible diseases that can seriously harm them if not taken care of seriously and being outdoor increases these chances. Encounters with pests and wild animals like raccoons and skunks who care capable of transmitting diseases puts your pets at risk.
Here are some of the things to be aware of:
Diseases Your Pets Can Catch from Pests
Aside from physical altercations between wild and domestic animals, there are a number of diseases that your cat or dog can catch from them too. When the doors are open, or when the dog or cat is out, be weary of these.
Roundworms:
Roundworms can be deadly and are sometimes difficult to spot which is why it is very dangerous. Pets are infected when they lick their coat after having rolled around in the soil. When wildlife becomes infected with roundworm, the roundworm lays eggs in the stomach of the wild animal who later excretes it in the soil. When this same soil is ingested, that new animal becomes the host of roundworm. In some cases, roundworm can appear minimal and tame, but in worst case scenarios, the cyst formed from roundworm can be present in the eyes/brain which could cause serious damage.
Rabies:
Rabies isn’t something new to worry about, as the concern has always been around, but it’s definitely something to worry about. Through animals and humans, transmittal occurs when bitten by an infected animal. It is not spread by urine, blood or defecation but through the saliva of the infected animal. When bit, the virus affects the nervous system and eventually spinal cord which could infect the brain which leads to death. Rabies are commonly spread through wildlife like skunks and raccoons, animals who both populate many regions on Ontario, such as Toronto, Markham, Mississauga.
Distemper:
Distemper is a common disease which unfortunately takes the life of many dogs. Symptoms of distemper include diarrhea, vomiting and the infected dog will become tired and lethargic. With distemper, the spinal cord as well as the brain can become infected which greatly increases the chance of fatality. It is contagious and is acquired when vaccines aren’t given or they are ineffective.
Tapeworm:
Tapeworm is transmitted through the ingestion of defecation from an infected animal or through meat that is infected. It occurs when the egg tapeworm is swallowed and ends up in the digestive track and can form cysts in organs throughout the body.
There are many other diseases that can affect your pet, so it is important to stay aware and informed to keep them safe and sound.
How to Protect your pets from the effects of pest
The best way to protect your pets from the effects of pests is number 1, to ensure that they are vaccinated for everything they need to be vaccinated for and that they are all up-to-date.
Always monitor your pet’s behavior for any unusual activity that seem alarming. Get tests done and check with your vet especially if you have recently been outside with your dog and they are behaving this way. Doing this can help identify any existing health concerns that should be taken care of, sooner than later. If done later it may be more complicated or even impossible to treat which is why it is better to take precautions beforehand.
Keep your pets away from areas populated with wildlife animals especially raccoons and skunks. These animals are more likely than others capable of transmitting an infectious disease to your pet that could seriously compromise their health. When you take your pets outdoors, avoid tall grassy areas especially with nearby water sources where there could easily be pests and wildlife nearby.
By wildlife proofing your property, you can help decrease raccoon/skunk encounters. Doing this minimizes the risk of your pet getting too close and getting harmed by infected wildlife on your property.
How SOS Wildlife Can make your home pest free
Ensuring that your property is wildlife free, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated. Our technicians are experienced, knowledgeable, professional and humane. An SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated technician can help you by proofing your home helping eliminate the possibility of wildlife intrusion.
For wildlife prevention, call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated We conduct safe and humane solutions for your wildlife and pest control problems. Help keep your furry four-legged friend safe by reducing the risk of wildlife intrusions on your property and call an expert wildlife technician. We can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait, call us, and we’ll schedule you in for an appointment for a thorough inspection to help identify wildlife access points and personalized wildlife prevention solutions.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated Incorporated 1-800-981-0330 for Wildlife Prevention!