Natural repellents, a safe ally against mosquitoes and insects

The high temperatures expected for the meteorological summer, June, July, and August, are the most favorable environment for the proliferation of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which cause diseases such as leishmaniasis. This zoonotic disease is transmitted by sandflies, which act as vectors and proliferate thanks to high temperatures.

Canine leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Southern Europe, with an infection prevalence that can reach up to 60% of exposed populations, which can represent several million dogs.

It is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite (protozoan) transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, called a sandfly, whose females need to ingest blood from mammals or birds to lay their eggs.

The transmitting mosquitoes are about 2.5 millimeters long, gray in color, and are most active from shortly before dusk until midnight.

Leishmaniasis

The Mediterranean basin is endemic not only for human leishmaniasis but also for canine leishmaniasis. Dogs primarily, but also cats, rodents, as well as hares and rabbits are its main reservoirs, as seen in Europe's largest outbreak of human leishmaniasis, which occurred in 2009 in Fuenlabrada due to the massive infection of rabbits.

Therefore, it is necessary to keep it in mind when caring for our pets, especially during the period of greatest activity of this mosquito (from June to October), by visiting their veterinarian if they show symptoms of illness, keeping them protected from mosquito bites using repellents, collars, pipettes, avoiding areas of higher incidence and times of greater activity, and following veterinary recommendations for monitoring and prevention.

Among the recommendations is to wash frequently with shampoo to combat pests that may hide in pets' fur, fur that should be brushed and checked, as well as their paw pads.

It should be remembered that mosquitoes are active in the early morning and at night, so by avoiding these hours we would be minimizing the risk. It is also highly recommended to change the water in drinking bowls frequently and not to leave stagnant water in pots, fountains, or areas near hoses and drains.

STOP BITES our natural repellent

Speaking of shampoos and lotions, the PSH Home Groomers line offers STOP BITES, which provides protection against external parasites thanks to the repellent properties of andiroba oil and lemon peel.

It is an excellent natural repellent that also incorporates moisturizing, emollient, and soothing properties. STOP BITES achieves an increased repellent effect thanks to lemon peel extract. Furthermore, it is not biocidal and, therefore, has no cumulative effect on the skin.

“It is a very pleasant shampoo that, unlike other types of repellents that smell very strong, smells like pear and also has a moisturizing effect and does not leave hair greasy,” explains Anna Gómez, technical advisor for PSH Pet Skin Healthcare.

Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in STOP BITES are lemon peel extract, andiroba oil, and panthenol. Additionally, it does not contain Kathon, parabens, or silicone and incorporates a hypoallergenic fragrance.

PSH Pet Skin Healthcare reminds that the use of STOP BITES does not replace antiparasitic elements such as pipettes and collars. And of course, at any sign of concern, the first thing to do is go to a veterinarian. We must remember that the critical months are the warm months, from May to September, months in which we must redouble our attention and have all available tools at hand to keep insects at bay.

Anna Gómez emphasizes that the champotherapy that PSH represents is beneficial for the organism, so baths with STOP BITES shampoo can be done frequently. Regarding the use of STOP BITES lotion, Gómez recommends using it "before and after going for a walk because it is a natural repellent, which is not toxic, and therefore can be used without any problem."

As we can see, the spring and summer months require our attention because high temperatures are the necessary breeding ground for the hatching of mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects that, in addition to causing discomfort to our pets, can cause greater risks. The good news is that we have the information, veterinary professionals, and necessary products so that our pets can enjoy the countryside and summer without major complications thanks to routines accessible to everyone.