Fight the bite: Don’t forget about your pets

You should not only worry about yourself being exposed to certain bites but also your animals.

It’s that time of the year where the hot muggy weather brings out all of the bugs. Our state epidemiologist says this is when people need to be warned about preventing bites.

"We are at a much higher risk for West Nile virus in the next couple weeks than we will be at anytime. Between now and Labor Day we have to be very cautious about avoiding mosquito bites using all of those prevention methods to reduce mosquito bites," said Thomas Safranek.

So far this year, there have been two West Nile cases.

A mosquito pool in Lancaster county tested positive and the first human case was recorded in the Scottsbluff area.

Safranek says early morning and evening is when the virus is circulating most.

Evenings are a popular time for people to go on walks with their animals. Not only are we at risk but we can’t forget about our pets.

"Avicii is wearing a tick and flea preventative collar right now for the last 8 months, my older dog we use the liquid here as far as tick preventative," said Cody Williamson.

Cody goes walking and hunting with one of his dogs, Daisy. He said the preventative treatments have been very effective.

I talked to a patient care coordinator at Nebraska Animal Medical Center and she told me those preventatives are what they recommend.

She also mentioned that heartworms which are contracted by mosquito’s are a concern.

Omaha is ranked #3 for heartworms in the United States.

"Us being very close to Omaha, it’s not that far between people traveling bringing their pets here for activities and stuff like that so any of those pets that come from that area that are heartworm positive could then affect the Lincoln area," said Jessica Stahr.

Jessica also told me that it is more common to see this in dogs than it is for cats. It’s important to take preventatives for both yourself and your animal.

The fight the bite campaign is advised during this time of year for both you and your pet.

You should use bug repellent, avoid being in areas where mosquitos are circulating, wear long clothing and always check for ticks if you or your pet is outside.