Q. My pup hates flying insects and reacts badly when bitten. What should I know?
A. It seems we have gone from winter to summer overnight. With it came the flying insects. June is a major black fly month. I heard an entomologist say Maine has a healthy ecosystem because different species of black flies hatch throughout the summer. There are actually four biting insects you and your best friend need to deal with starting in late spring and summer. The most common are mosquitoes, black flies, no-see-ums, and larger flies called horse, deer or moose flies.
Mosquitoes in Maine can be a nuisance and carry diseases. These pesky insects breed in standing water and are more active at dawn and dusk. The females are the blood suckers. The most common disease concerning dogs is heart worm disease. The mosquitoes spread the disease by biting an infected dog and then biting another dog. The prevalence of heart worm disease in Maine was rare. The warming environment and the importing of dogs from infected areas have changed that picture. It is important to use heart worm prevention at least through the season if not all year round. Viruses causing fewer common diseases carried by mosquitoes are Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV). These diseases are an issue for horses, llamas, alpacas, and birds. Humans, dogs, camelids, and horses are called dead end hosts. This means the viruses cannot reproduce and spread as they do in birds, but dogs, humans, and horses can get sick. Dogs will show symptoms involving the brain called encephalitis. Symptoms include low energy, wobbliness, muscle tremors, and fever. These diseases are extremely rare in our dogs. They can affect the immune, immature, or compromised companions. Treatment is supportive and may result in hospitalization.
Flies are another group of annoying insects. Black flies start in the late spring and are worse in May and June. Sand flies, also known as no-see-ums, midges, and gnats, are seen swarming around dusk. Larger flies, called horse, deer, and moose flies are pests through July and August. These flies do not carry disease in Maine but can be irritating. Black flies have an easily recognized bite that looks like a red circle with a red dot in the middle. Midges are painful bites mostly around lower legs and ears. The larger flies can cause irritating bites too. The problem with these flies are painful bites and allergic reactions. The response to these bites can be a mark, welts, large swollen areas, and eczema. Most of the treatment is topical, but more severe allergic reactions will need to be treated by your veterinarian.
You can walk your best friend at a different time of day and use bug repellent which can be a mix of essential oils or chemicals to prevent the discomfort and disease from these biting insects. Contact your veterinarian for advice on the best prevention for your companion.
Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH
Animal Wellness Center
Augusta, Maine
www.mainehomeopahticvet.com
