Pets can function as the first indicators of hidden dangers in our home. With their keen senses and instincts, they may notice problems we don’t always see right away. Noticing and understanding these signals may help us address pest issues early and keep our homes and pets safe.
The Keen Senses of Pets
Dogs and cats have a sense of smell and hearing compared to humans. For example, dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors while humans only have around 5 million. Cats also possess hearing abilities capable of detecting high frequency sounds that escape human perception. These enhanced senses allow pets to notice pest activity well before we can.
Behavioral Changes Indicating Pests
- Unusual Scratching and Biting
If your pet starts scratching or biting themselves more frequently than usual, it could indicate the presence of fleas or mites. A study conducted by the University of Sydney found that 73% of homes infested with fleas had pets showing increased scratching behaviour before owners became aware of the pests.
- Focused Staring and Barking
Pets may focus their attention on areas where pests tend to hide such as walls, floors or ceilings. Dogs and cats display certain behaviours when they sense the presence of pests like rodents or insects in areas. Dogs may growl at corners while cats may stare intently or paw at certain spots. These actions often indicate the existence of pests behind walls or under floors.
- Excessive Grooming
Cats, such as Persians and Ragdolls may exhibit excessive grooming if they detect pests like fleas or mites on their bodies. This behaviour can result in patches or sores. Monitoring these grooming tendencies can offer hints of a pest issue.
- Restlessness and Anxiety
Changes in behaviour such as restlessness and anxiety in pets could be a sign of pests nearby. The sounds and odours emitted by pests might unsettle pets causing them to behave unusually. Dogs for instance might become agitated and excessively bark in response to perceived threats.
Physical Signs Detected by Pets
Pets’ keen senses are evident when they engage in activities like sniffing around areas where pets are active. Dogs tend to use their noses to detect scent trails left by rodents or insects near walls or on the ground.
Both cats and dogs exhibit heightened alertness by perking up their ears and closely watching areas where pests may be present. They can hear the movements of pests such as scratching or scurrying within walls under floors or even within ceilings.
Pets may start behaving this way when pests are nesting or moving around.
Unusual Places of Interest
Your pets might suddenly become intrigued by areas they usually ignore, like basements, attics or crawl spaces. These places are often where pests hide. If your pet starts exploring or spending time in these locations, it could be a sign of an infestation.
Pet Health and Pests
Other than the obvious reasons for us not wanting pests in our homes, they can pose dangers to our pets if we don’t deal with them properly.
- Skin Irritations and Allergies
Pets can experience skin irritations and allergies due to pests. For example, flea bites can cause flea allergy dermatitis leading to itching and discomfort. Small Animal Dermatology Secrets says that flea allergy dermatitis is a skin issue affecting 40% of dogs with skin conditions.
- Respiratory Issues
Pests like dust mites and cockroaches can trigger problems in pets. If your pet develops a cough, sneezing or breathing issues, it might be linked to allergens from pests. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that cockroach allergens can worsen asthma symptoms in pets.
Addressing Pest Infestations
When your pet signals a pest issue, it’s essential to try and pinpoint the source. Check the areas where your pet seems extra interested. Check for any droppings, nests, or signs of damage, as these are indicators of an underlying issue. Pest control experts can also conduct more thorough inspections to confirm the presence of infestations.
Using pet-safe pest control methods is crucial when addressing pest problems. Many conventional pest control products have the potential to harm pets. According to the ASPCA, exposure to pesticides can result in pet poisoning leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures.
Make sure your pet receives check ups to address any health issues caused by pests. Your veterinarian can suggest treatments for flea infestations, skin conditions and other health problems related to pests.
Trusting Your Pet’s Instincts
Our pets often detect pest infestations due to their heightened senses and instinctual behaviours. By paying attention to their cues, we can tackle issues proactively. Safeguard both our homes and our cherished companions. Trust in your pet’s instincts—they act as protectors by alerting us to threats and ensuring our homes remain secure and free from pests.
