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 phlebotomes, which act as vectors and proliferate thanks to the high temperatures.

Canine leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in southern Europe, where the prevalence of infection can reach up to 60% of the exposed populations, which may involve several million dogs.

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

Transmitting mosquitoes are about 2.5 millimeters in size and gray in color and are most active from just before dusk until midnight.

Leishmaniasis

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

Therefore, it is necessary to keep it in mind when caring for our pets, especially during the mosquito's peak season (from June to October), going to your veterinarian if they show symptoms of illness, keeping them protected from mosquito bites with repellents, collars, pipettes, avoiding the areas of highest incidence and the hours of greatest activity, and following veterinary instructions for monitoring and prevention.

Among the recommendations is frequent shampooing to fight against pests that can hide in the pets' fur, which should be brushed and checked, as well as the pads of the paws.

We must remember that mosquitoes are active early in the morning and at night, so if we avoid these hours we would be minimizing the risk. It is also highly recommended to change the water in drinking fountains frequently and not to leave stagnant water in flowerpots, pools or areas near hoses and drains.

STOP BITES our natural repellent

In terms of shampoos and lotions, the PSH Home Groomers line includes STOP BITES, which provides protection against external parasites thanks to the repellent properties of andiroba oil and lemon bark.

It is an excellent natural repellent that also incorporates moisturizing, emollient and soothing properties. STOP BITES achieves an increased repellent effect thanks to the lemon peel extract. It is also non-biocidal and therefore has no cumulative effect on the skin.

"This 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 the hair greasy," explains Anna Gómez, technical advisor at PSH Pet Skin Healthcare.

Assets

The active ingredients of STOP BITES are lemon peel extract, andiroba oil and panthenol. In addition, it is free of khaton, parabens and 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, in case of any sign of concern, the first thing to do is to go to a veterinarian. We must remember that the critical months are the hot months, those from May to September, months in which we must redouble our attention and have at hand all the tools available to keep insects at bay.

Anna Gómez stresses that the shampoo therapy that PSH represents is beneficial for the organism, so baths with STOP BITES shampoo can be carried out 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 can therefore be used without any problem".

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