how do your dogs go potty during the summer?

[Anna]

I'm a newbie doodle mom here - so sorry if this was talked about before.

 

I am starting to see some mosquitos here - right around when we take out the pup before bedtime.

And my husband wants me to figure out a better way to take him out - first thing in the morning and the last potty of the the day - when there are ALOT of mosquitos.  I don't want my hubby or my two kids to be bit - b/c of the whole west nile virus and other various yucks  out there.   (I told the three of them that mommy can't do those things - b/c I'm dainty - LOL - the youngest one bought it- he is my favorite now) 

And of course - I read about - that dogs can also get parasites from mosquito bites.

I don't like to use things like "OFF" b/c deet is very unsafe for kids and adults (Just my personal opinion)  So - I don't know - what I'm gonna do.

 

what do you guys do?

 

I was thinking - is there some sort of articficial grass pad kind of thing - where I can put it - right near my patio door - where the pup can just go out real quick and do his business and come right back in?

 

[Jennifer Tramell]

If mosquitos are a big bother, I would set up a citronella torch or a bug zapper.  My experience has been that my puppies don't immediately drop and potty, sometimes it takes walking them around on the grass and waiting for them to go.  It will benefit you in the long run to have a designated area in the yard where you take your pup to potty - this would probably be a back corner.  It will make it easier cleaning up piles if they are all in one area and not spread throughout the yard.

I wouldn't worry about your puppy and mosquitos as long as you have him on heartworm (if he's old enough - I'm sure your vet has addressed that).  It can be annoying to wait for a pup to "do his job" but I've found that if my dogs know I'm in a hurry, they take even longer (at least it seems that way :-) )

[Adina P]

We don't have a huge mosquito problem where I live.  Most recently, since we haven't gotten our heatwave yet we've had more than usual, but strangely they haven't been biting.  Anyway, I would say just wear long sleeves and go.  The major danger for dogs with mosquitoes is heartworm -- but like someone else said that's what heartworm preventive meds are for.  Why do the kids have to go out with you?  And is your hubby worried about mosquitoes or just you?  I guess I'd just bite the bullet and take the pup out.  I have a friend who likes these Bug Band bracelets--I have some but haven't had a chance to try them and have NO idea if they actually are effective: http://www.bugband.net/bugband-store.php -- I am not too worried about DEET but I sure would hate to have to put it on for 5 minutes of potty time twice a day.

[Anna]

So - do you guys think that - getting one of those artificial turf tray thing - to put on the patio would be bad?  Would that confuse him?  

Last summer - may husband had to do some really quick yard work one day - towards getting dark time.  and he came back with - I am not kidding 20 mosquito bites all over him.  We are really weary about - getting bit like that again.  So I just want to be prepared  - for when it gets really bad. 

thanks for telling me - that i don't really need to worry about the pup - b/c of the heart worm medication.  that's a relief.

The vet gave me - Interceptor - as his heart worm medicine.  Is this what you guys use on your dog?  Is this a good/safe one?

[Adina P]

I think the artificial turf will confuse him.  What mosquito repellents do you typically use for when you have to be out after dark?  Was your hubby wearing long sleeves and long pants and still got bit?  I'm just asking because I've never lived in such places where it's that bad.

[Anna]

we do use - one those natural bug spray - that is made with eucalyptus.-which has very stron herb-y smell

But I would hate to spray all over with that - just to take him out quick for a potty break.  we'll be taking a lot of showers.

yeah - its funny.  we live in the suburbs of Illinois.  wouldn't think there would be that many but during the really hot days - it gets really bad. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Interceptor is what I use and I believe it's effective. As for safe, I'm sure it's better than heartworm itself.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm not one for PRODUCTS.  Honestly, I sit on the patio each night and ENJOY the summer with a huge industrial FAN!  It works.  Citronella makes me sick.  Ask me over to your picnic and light those things and I will leave, politely. 

I will wear a light-weight long-sleeved shirt to take the dogs out if necessary.   Samples taken each year show my house, my block with TIGER Mosquitoes.  We have a huge health concern in our area.  Still, products make me so sick beginning with horrible headaches. So I just don't use them.

If  you don't want to confuse your dog, and possibly end up with long-term potty issues consider that this season will pass quickly.  Good luck.  Let us know what your solutions you try and what works/not works.

[Anna]

but - the artifical grass - kind of feel like grass - right?   Is it b/c its on the patio - the change in location that would confuse him?  

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Regarding the artificial grass - yes, there is the "Potty Patch" (and other brands).  We have one that we used when Sedona was a baby (mostly because WE didn't want to go outside in the rain).  We rarely use it at home now, but we do take it with us when we travel in our RV - just in case.  It serves the purpose - but picking up poop from outside is WAY easier than cleaning the potty patch, especially after "the runs".

[Taylor & Huff]

Even if your puppy won't get sick from the mosquito bites, you don't want him to get bit. It might hurt him. There is a dog shampoo that is a natural insect repellent, is anti bacterial, and is also both a shampoo and conditioner. It is called MinkSheen. I love the smell too, it lasts for days. And Like I said before, it is all natural. It is a little expensive but it is way worth it. As for the people, I don't really have much info on that. Sorry:(

[Leslie J]

I just wanted to say that I've had mosquitos bite through clothes before, once through a long sleeve t-shirt and  once through jeans!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am a magnet for mosquitoes, and the bites swell, so I try to avoid them. If you keep moving you can usually get away with a brief walk outside without being bitten even in NJ, a mosquito heaven. I spray my clothing mostly if I'm going to be outside and not moving , especially at dusk. And a little Deet on uncovered skin does wonders and I've used it sparingly for many years. Using a lot on infants is not a good idea but they can be protected with netting. If not for a screened porch I'd probably never sit out. Hopefully as your pup becomes older he will be able to be out by himself if your yard is fenced. My dogs don't seem to get bitten.