Source: The Denver Post

A heads-up for Colorado pet lovers: The state's unusually wet summer has produced a spike in animal parasites and allergies.

Some area veterinarians are reporting an increase in dog heartworm disease, gastric and intestinal illness, and allergic inflammations. More water means more insects, especially mosquitoes, which transmit heartworms.

Boulder is bracing for heartworm outbreaks this fall and winter, says Jenelle Vail, a clinic veterinarian at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Heartworm larvae reach maturity about six months after infection, she says.

Annie's Animal Clinic in Highlands Ranch has been prescribing more K9 Advantix, the only topical preventive treatment that kills mosquitoes, as well as fleas, ticks and chewing lice. That clinic is advising pet owners to watch their animals' behavior, says Mackenzie Goldthwait, a veterinarian there. If pet owners "see their dog messing with one particular area," that may be cause for concern, she adds.

A recent examination revealed that one dog had contracted a cuterebra infestation. A cuterebra fly, also known as a botfly, uses small mammals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and squirrels to complete its life cycle.

These flies lay eggs in vegetation, shrubs and heavy undergrowth. When pets romp through damp yards, the eggs can attach to their fur and skin. After the eggs hatch, the larva will burrow under the animal's skin and feed.

Experts are advising pet owners to look for a noticeable lump on an animal's skin with a small hole in it, which the larvae use for air. But, they say, do not disturb the lump. Doing so could crush the larva and cause an inflammatory reaction under the skin. Instead, have a veterinarian extract the larvae.

There are other things pet owners can do to prevent this seasonal problem.

"Keep your vegetation trimmed way back so the flies don't have any good places to lay their eggs," Goldthwait advises.

Heavy vegetation, thick grass, blooming plants and pollen also have triggered pet allergies. Clinics are treating more conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, in animals, as well as ear inflammations.

Another tip: Dig up and throw away any mushrooms growing in overly moist lawn. Ingesting mushrooms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe digestive problems or complete liver failure in dogs. And keep pets sheltered from the elements, including lightning and hail.

"Animals have gotten hacked over the head by quarter-size hail," Goldthwait says.