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Mosquitoes and sandflies

30 October 2022

On sunny days, they can annoy us because of the very characteristic noise they make when flying (at least for most of them), and especially because of their itchy stings… Did you recognise them? They are of course mosquitoes, and their cousins, the sandflies.

 

What are the differences between sandflies and mosquitoes ?

Although they are both blood-sucking, biting insects in their adult stage, mosquitoes and sandflies are quite different. First of all, their anatomy: sandflies are much smaller than mosquitoes (they are almost invisible to the naked eye), they are hairy and their wings stand up on their backs. Mosquitoes have long antennae and their wings are pressed against their bodies when at rest. Also, sandflies, although they have tended to migrate northwards in recent years, are mainly found around the Mediterranean. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are present throughout France. Sandflies do not need very wet areas to carry out their cycle, whereas mosquitoes need bodies of water (except the tiger mosquito): they lay their eggs on the surface and the larvae and nymphs develop there. Sandflies and mosquitoes, with the exception of the notorious tiger mosquito which bites during the day, are more nocturnal.

Mosquitoes and sandflies can cause itching, allergies or transmit diseases to our dogs.

 

Leishmaniasis

Sandflies, when they are carriers, can transmit a parasite called Leishmania infantum. This protozoan is responsible for a disease called leishmaniasis, which can also affect humans. Once inoculated, it can be responsible for various symptoms that take between 6 months and 3 to 4 years to appear. These are :

  • general illness: such as fever, severe fatigue and muscle wasting,
  • skin symptoms: loss of hair around the eyes, on the ears, neck, etc. is often noted, as well as deep skin infections or ulcers. A change in the claws is also frequently reported,
  • ocular disease: such as conjunctivitis, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) or glaucoma,
  • urinary problems with lesions in the kidneys,
  • digestive problems.

Even when they are not carriers, sandflies can be annoying: their bites are painful and the resulting pimples are quite itchy.

 

Heartworm disease

Mosquito bites are much less painful than those of sandflies, and reactions are generally much milder (except in cases of allergy). However, mosquitoes can still annoy our four-legged friends by transmitting various diseases caused by parasites or viruses if they are carriers. In France, the main risk for our dogs is heartworm disease. This disease is caused by a roundworm, Dirofilaria. The best known in dogs is probably D. immitis, also called the “heartworm”.

 

Both diseases have one thing in common: they are difficult to treat. Your veterinarian will be able to suggest ways to prevent them, so talk to him.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.  

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat.  Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.    

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.    

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet. 

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