Just as humans are affected by mosquito bites, they can also affect your cats and dogs. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind.
According to weather forecasts, everything indicates that March will continue with days of heat and rain, a formula that affects humans and can also affect the health of animals, including felines.
Virginia VallejoVeterinary and founder of Mishmosos Cat Hotels, share some tips to take care of them:
To protect it from heat:
- Keep the environment cool: Make sure your cats have access to cool, ventilated areas; leave the blinds down during the hottest hours or place solar filters on the windows to prevent too much sun from entering; use air conditioning or a fan to lower the room temperature (be careful that the air does not reach the cats directly).
- Provide plenty of fresh water: Make sure your cat always has fresh, clean water available. Place several containers of water in different areas of the house so he can hydrate easily. You can put some ice in them to keep the water very cool. To encourage the michis to drink water, you can put an automatic water fountain (they love it). Don’t let them drink water from the toilet.
- Avoid the hottest hours: During hot days, try keeping your cat indoors during the hottest hours. These are usually from midday to mid-afternoon, when the sun is at its highest point.
- Trips: If they have to travel either to go to the vet or to take them to a cat hotel/family member’s house. Try to make it during the coolest hours and keep the car temperature tolerable. Never leave your cat inside a parked car, even for a short period of time. The temperature inside the vehicle can quickly rise and become an extremely dangerous environment for your pet.
- Avoid excessive exercise: During intensely hot days, avoid playing games with your cat, as this can increase its body temperature and cause heat stroke.
- Monitor symptoms: Signs of heat stroke in cats are excessive panting, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. If you observe any of these symptoms, try to cool the environment, place a damp cloth on them and take them to the urgent veterinarian if necessary.
- Avoid excessive hair: If your cat has a lot of hair, brush it routinely to remove dead hair; especially in the hotter months to help keep you cool.
- Cats that are at increased risk of heat stroke: They are those of brachycephalic breeds (flat face: Persians), older cats (gerontes), obese cats and those who suffer from heart disease or respiratory problems. However, any cat can suffer from it at one time or another, so if it is hot and you are concerned about your cat’s health, contact your trusted veterinarian quickly.
Mosquitoes continue to invade us, how do they affect and how to protect the michis?
Veterinary doctor Vallejo comments on the topic “Just as humans are affected by mosquito bites, they can also affect your cats and dogs, which is why I share some recommendations for the care of your pets”:
- Keep your pets indoors: preferably during the hours of greatest mosquito activity, which are usually at dawn and dusk.
- Use mosquito nets on windows and doors: With this precaution we will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Beware of harmful kittens that may use the mosquito net for entertainment.
- Don’t leave standing water in outdoor containers: This can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is important to regularly empty and clean your pets’ water bowls, such as water bowls and small pools.
- Use specific mosquito repellents for pets: (luckily there are more and more and there is a tendency for them to be natural). It is important to consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the safest and most effective products.
- Consider using flea and tick collars: These products also repel mosquitoes.
- Keep grass and shrubs short and well-groomed: since mosquitoes tend to hide in areas with dense vegetation.
- Avoid walking your pets near areas with standing water: It is advisable not to do it in ponds or puddles.
- Consider installing mosquito nets: If you live in an area with a high incidence of mosquitoes, place these in the outdoor area where your pets spend the most time, such as a patio or garden.
- If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a mosquito: This is noticeable as your pet shows signs of discomfort, such as intense itching, inflammation or difficulty breathing, seek veterinary attention immediately, as some species of mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases to animals.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
