Can dogs get West Nile virus from mosquito bites? What are symptoms?

Heart worm disease is transmitted by mosquitos. This is by far the biggest concern for diseases spread by mosquitos that we see in dogs. Dogs are quite resistant to developing disease from west nile virus, so while they can technically become infected, they don't get sick. Dogs do not get malaria from mosquitos. There is another form of malaria that affects dogs that is spread by ticks. Ticks can also transmit a number of other diseases to dogs, including lyme disease, and many other diseases. Here is a website with a lot of great information on what diseases your pets can get from mosquitos and ticks: http://www.cvbd.org/en/mosquito-borne-diseases/ Talk to your veterinarian about a monthly heart worm prevention, as well as flea/tick control measures. These are important parts of your pet's healthcare! I hope that helps you! thanks for asking PetCoach!

Only infected mosquitoes have the potential to pass along heartworm disease to your dog. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, exercise intolerance, decreased appetite and weight loss. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs

Hello there. There is not much information around on this vaccine being given to a dog. In the one case I could find the dog ended up being fine. Dogs have a natural immunity to West Nile virus so if there was a reaction it would most likely be to the adjuvant (carrier) in the vaccine and not to the virus itself. That being said, I have seen some serious vaccine reactions to vaccines that were given to the wrong species and/or the wrong route. But, I have also seen the opposite where those same type of vaccines were given and there were no reactions at all. It is going to be luck of the draw. I would monitor him for fever, not eating, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face. etc. If you notice any of these signs I recommend you call your local vet for some advice and get him in for an exam. I can't say for sure but I doubt it would be a big vet bill. He may just need some minor supportive care. That is not something I can predict though. You will just have to see how he does. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Panda. Dr. Amber

Yes, that is correct that mosquitoes can lead to heartworms in cats. Symptoms include coughing, lack of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and asthma-like attacks. Heartworm disease in cats is different than heartworm disease in dogs, and I will put a link below to website that talks about it in more detail. The cat is not a typical host of heartworms, and the worms usually do not survival to the adult stage. Prevention is the only way to keep cats from getting heartworms. There is a chance she could get heartworms, but she is less likely to have adult worms. Read the webpage below to get more information. I hope this helps! https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-cats

Mosquito bites are usually not felt when they happen, so if your pup freaked it's possible she may have stepped on something or even gotten stung by an insect rather than a mosquito. Mosquito bites can cause itching and swelling at the site, however other bites and stings can also cause this. Keeping your dog on a heartworm preventive and monthly flea/tick medication can help prevent bites and infection before they start. If you suspect possible heartworm or wish to get started on heartworm medication you can get a test done through your veterinarian. This involves drawing a small amount of blood and then testing it - usually in clinic. However, it can take several months before an infected dog may show up positive on a test.

Hello. If you are concerned about heartworm disease, it would take approximately 6 months from the time an infected mosquito were to bite Bella for you to see clinical signs of decreased energy & cough. So, if Bella continues to act well, do have her checked, especially since Frontline does nothing to repel mosquitoes, only fleas & ticks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bree. Good on you for making sure that she is protected from ticks. Given that the tick is not engorged, it did not feed her on, so no disease would have been transmitted. The tick needs to bite and feed to pass along disease into her bloodstream. I imagine she is quite tired from her busy day. To be safe, watch for continued lethargy, limping, joint swelling, and a loss of appetite. I hope this helps!