West Nile Virus Pets

Elderly cats and dogs face highest risk

Your beloved family cat or dog can be just as much at risk of contracting the West Nile Virus as a human and, like us, the WNV mainly targets elderly pets and those with low immune systems. Although no veterinary case of West Nile has been found yet, veterinary professionals claim that your cat or dog can be at risk if they consume a dead bird infected with the West Nile Virus.

To protect pets from contracting the West Nile Virus:

• Keep family pets indoors during peak mosquito hours - before dusk, after dawn and after it rains.
• Allow your pet to lie elevated in a lawn chair, off of the ground when camping or sitting around a campfire.
• Check your property regularly for dead animals and birds that may be infected with WNV and report them immediately.
• Eliminate standing water from around your home.
• Keep your pets away from water treated with pesticides and larvicides (mosquito dunks).
• Even though there are ms available for use on pets most mosquito repellants containing DEET are too potent for your cat or osquito repellantdog. Be sure to read all labels for pet appropriateness.
• Purchase a pet-specific insect repellant through your veterinarian or pet store.

If you suspect your pet may have come into contact with an animal infected with the West Nile Virus take him to the veterinarian immediately! The symptoms of West Nile Virus in pets include depression, loss of appetite, circling, dizziness and difficulty walking, tremors, convulsions and abnormal posture.