There are now at least four deaths attributed to EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) in the Utica/Rome upstate NY area. These are one horse, one four year old child and now two young puppies. The virus responsible for the disease is centered around birds but is spread by mosquitoes. Mosquito species tend to be host specific, so it is an "accident" when a mosquito spreads the disease to a non bird host.
Horses are at high risk due to almost continuous mosquito exposure outside but do have an effective vaccine. All horses should be vaccinated for EEE. Human infection is rare. Dogs can get EEE but most cases are young puppies without well established immune systems. Still, you want to avoid mosquito exposures if possible.
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With the very hot summer weather here in upstate NY this summer, most families exercise and train their dogs in the early morning or evening hours. Unfortunately those are big mosquito times. You need to minimize your dog's exposure to mosquitoes as much as possible.
Buzz Guard is a natural
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product using essential oils such as neem oil to repel mosquitoes. Ingredients are water, polysorbate 20; neem seed oil; pure essential oils of citronella, fir, geranium; rosewood, basil, myrrh; and potassium sorbate. All products are formulated with pure essential oils, are easy to use, puppy and family friendly, made in the USA, packaged in BPA free containers, and can be safely sprayed onto cloth, skin or fur without leaving sticky residues or stains. I have used Buzz Guard on my dogs when out walking with great success.
The EarthHeart, Inc newsletter has information on neem oil which is an important ingredient of BuzzGuard. Neem seed oil has been gaining popularity as a natural insect repellant. The oil comes from the fruits and seeds of Azadirachta indica, an evergreen tree native to India. At just one or two percent, neem oil is an effective insect repellant.
To qualify for a free bottle of Buzzguard, sign up for the EarthHeart newsletter or upload a photo and tale (or tail!) of an outdoor adventure with your dog to the EarthHeart Facebook page.
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Then send a comment here so I know you entered. The winner will be chosen by random draw on August 25th.
EarthHeart is very generously offering a discount to readers as well. If you order a product from their website between now and August 28th, you can get one single bottle free. It does not have to be the same formula as the first bottle. One free bottle per order. Simply put in "Hurrah Utica" in the special instructions or note to seller area when you check out.
SOTC members should contact me directly about any orders.
No repellant is perfect, but this is your chance to help keep your dog mosquito free in a natural and safe way.
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