Four-legged friends bring joy into our lives, but in our homes they are also often responsible for also bringing an increase in unwelcome pests. To keep pests at bay, especially during the summer months, dog owners need to be extra diligent with their housekeeping and maintenance schedules. Here's how dog owners can prevent attracting household pests and how to control and infestation safely so your dog isn't at risk.
Know the pests dogs can attract
Apart from pet specific parasites such as fleas and ticks, owning a dog can also play a role in attracting cockroaches and rodents into the home due to their activities and feeding behaviours. In some areas, especially in summer biting flies may also affect dogs. Ensure pets are not scratching at fly bites incessantly as this can create an open wound which flies can lay eggs. If flies are affecting your dog, consider keeping them indoors during the warmest parts of the day.
Know what you can do to prevent your dog from attracting pests
The biggest thing dog owners can do is start with maintenance and cleanliness outside of the home. Ensure bones and dog poo is not left in the yard to attract pests. Keep lawns clipped and gardens tidy to avoid a hiding place for fleas, ticks and mice.
Inside the home, be sure to wash your dog bedding regularly. Keep dog biscuits in sealed containers to avoid providing a food source rodents including avoiding leaving pet bowls lying out overnight filled with food. Reputable flea treatments such as topical gels should be used throughout the year to prevent serious flea infestations developing. Regular vacuuming of carpet will help remove remove flea eggs that could be hiding in the underlay and keep flea populations at bay.
Be wary when using baits
If you have a problem with rats or mice, be very cautious about where you place rodent baits as these can cause poisoning if ingested. Lockable bait stations are recommended to be used, but should still be placed out of reach of pets. It's also worth considering using warafin-based rodenticides as these are safer if accidentally ingested.
Check around the home for dead rats or mice each day during eradication and dispose of dead carcasses to avoid secondary poisoning. If you notice your dog has signs of bleeding gums, bloody stools or vomit or is having difficulty breathing, see a vet immediately.
Because all pesticides in Australia are subject to regulatory testing for their safety, using over-the-counter pesticides in accordance with the label's instructions will ensure pets are not harmed. Should you require a professional treatment, a pest controller may recommend you keep your dog away from sprayed areas until the treatment has dried.
Share25 June 2015
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