I love animals. If it didn't violate my local by-laws, I would probably have a pack of dogs, a clowder of cats, a flock of chickens, a pot-bellied pig and most definitely an elephant. It is quite possible that I would also have a giraffe and a sloth. Until my town council revamps its rules, I will unfortunately have to put this plan on hold. Thank goodness, most of my friends and family members have animal companions (dogs and cats, but no elephants), and they don't mind if I come over and smother them with love and affection. I usually return home covered in slobber, hair and fur, and that's just fine with me!
In spring and summer, our doggy family members need special care. Not only do we need to make sure they are hydrated and kept cool, but we have to protect them from bug bites. Even long haired dogs need this protection because mosquitoes, ticks, black flies and fleas are tenacious and still find ways to burrow their way down to the skin. Bug bites can be super irritating, but for dogs there is the additional risk of parasites and illness.
Heartworm is contracted when an infected mosquito bites your dog. Tick bites often transmit lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever and typhus. Black fly bites have been known to spread parasitic worms and viruses. Fleas are not just a huge nuisance, but can be carriers of tapeworms and anemia causing diseases. Luckily, there are a lot of effective treatment plans offered by your veterinarian. For some pet parents though, these treatments can be cost prohibitive, so the dog doesn't always get the protection they need. Even with treatment however, a bit of extra protection is never a bad thing.
Store shelves are filled with bug bite prevention sprays and lotions, but the chemicals in them make it very dangerous to use them on our dogs. Heck, I wouldn't spray those toxins on myself and I don't (often) lick my legs like dogs do! Our Bug-A-Boo insect repellent is safe for dogs. The ingredients in it aren't particularly tasty, but they won't cause him any harm if he accidentally ingests some of it. Our formula includes neem oil and a blend of essential oils that biting insects don't like. Rose-geranium, lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint not only keep the bugs off, but they make your pooch smell great. Citronella, catnip, cedarwood and pine are also part of the blend and are sure to send the pesky critters packing. A few spritzes around the face (not in the eyes though), mouth, neck and ears will protect your dog's most vulnerable areas. A spray or two on the rest of the body will make sure the bugs can't find any good spots to burrow into. After spraying your dog, don't forget to spritz yourself too. Bug-A-Boo is a full service repellent that works equally well on us.
My family of animal companions won't include an elephant or sloth any time soon, but that's okay. That just means I have more love to give to Annie, Cassie, Benny, Whisky, Coco, Louis, Molly, Roger, Poppy and Rosie. As a good doggy aunt, I will make sure they always have a never-ending supply of hugs, kisses and of course, Bug-A-Boo.
* Warning – Bug-A-Boo is not recommended for cats.
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