The Dangers of Flea Bites for You and Your Pet

 

Flea bites are itchy and obnoxious — but what can you do? If you have pets, you have to deal with fleas. Right? After all, how dangerous are fleas, anyway? Aren’t they a small, irritating price to pay for the company of our beloved pets? Unfortunately, flea bites can cause more serious problems than you might think. For both you and your pet(s).

For those who are sensitive to them, flea bites can range from irritating to maddening for animals and people. They can also pose serious health issues for your pets, family, and you. The dangers of flea bites go well beyond skin deep. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of flea bites and the best protection for you and your pets.

The Most Common Flea-Borne Diseases and Illnesses

While most flea bites are simply irritating, there are several dangers of flea bites that can be far more severe for people and animals. Let’s first explore what happens if a flea bites you. Then, we’ll dive into the most common flea-borne diseases and symptoms.

So, what happens if a flea bites you? When fleas bite, they are essentially taking a blood meal, and as they do, they inject a small amount of saliva into the skin. The saliva contains specific proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people and pets. The bite swells, and the immediate area around the flea bite can become itchy and inflamed.

But fleas don’t just bite once and go on their way. They can bite multiple times, especially if they are disturbed while feeding. A flea bite rash occurs when a flea bites several times in close proximity, making the itchy inflammation worse, even for those who are not allergic.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

The most common flea-borne disease is flea allergy dermatitis. This is an immunologic disease caused by an allergy to the fleas’ saliva and is both a common and serious danger of flea bites. Symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis can be severe and include:

  • Intense itching all over the body
  • Red, oozing lesions called hot spots
  • Skin inflammation
  • Hair loss
  • Painful scabs

Dogs and cats afflicted with flea allergy dermatitis are driven to scratch, lick, chew, and bite at their itchy skin, even tugging out tufts of fur to relieve the itching and discomfort. Frustratingly, the only effective treatment for this flea-borne disease is to completely eliminate the flea bites by removing the biters from your pet, your home, and your yard.

There is no vaccine or treatment to make a person or pet less allergic to flea bites. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is a condition that describes pets who experience extreme allergic reactions to the saliva in flea bites, but people can also be allergic to flea saliva.

Humans who are allergic to flea bites experience intense itching, swelling, and redness at the bite site. In severe cases, the reaction can be more widespread. The itching can be so extreme that it can disturb sleep for many consecutive nights and impair daily activities. Scratching the itchy flea bites can lead to broken skin, which then becomes vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections.

Bartonella

Thus far, we have focused on the dangers of flea bites themselves. Because some people and animals are allergic to flea saliva, any bite can harm their health. But what if the flea is infected? That pathogen, too, enters the wound along with the saliva. So, each new host, whether a person or pet, can be infected with whatever disease or bacteria the flea carries.

Unfortunately, fleas are often infected by Bartonella bacteria and can spread the infection to the animals they bite. In dogs and especially cats, Bartonella is associated with severe conditions, including heart disease, eye inflammation, and seizures. Treatment requires extensive use of antibiotics over an extended period of time.

Bartonella is also one of the dangers of flea bites to humans. If an infected flea bites a cat, the bacteria replicate in the cat’s bloodstream. When the cat scratches, it can get the bacteria on its claws. If it then scratches or bites a human, that person may contract cat scratch fever. While a fairly uncommon flea infection, its symptoms range from problematic to devastating, including the following:

  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Exhaustion
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Serious eye infection
  • Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are another common danger of flea bites. As dogs and cats lick and groom the site of irritating flea bites, they may ingest a flea. If the flea has ingested tapeworm eggs, the eggs can pass into your pet’s digestive system. That can result in a tapeworm developing in your pet’s intestines. The worm’s sucker-like mouth hooks into the intestinal walls, where it continues to eat and grow.

Tapeworm symptoms in pets include the following:

  • Weight loss, even with normal food intake
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dull coat
  • Itchy anus, leading to pets “scooting” along on their rear

It is possible, though rare, for humans to be infected by a tapeworm.

Additional Threats to Your Pet From Flea Bites

Close up of dog skin and dermatitis from flea bites.

Fortunately, the possible dangers of flea infections described above don’t happen with every flea bite unless you’re allergic to the flea saliva. However, in addition to itching and irritation, there is an additional threat to your pet and family that occurs with every bite: anemia.

Anemia

Anemia is one of the dangers of flea bites that affects people as well as pets. Every time a flea bites, it drinks blood. While no single bite drains a significant volume of blood, each bite adds up.

Generally, healthy people and pets affected by flea bite anemia will just feel fatigued and lethargic for a while. However, older, sick, or infirm people or pets are at a greater risk of anemia when bitten by fleas over an extended period of time.

How Can You Prevent Fleas?

The only way to completely avoid the dangers of flea bites is to entirely eliminate fleas from your property, pets, and home. Preventing flea bites on your pet is far easier than eradicating a flea infestation, but it takes effort. Let’s see what you can do to prevent fleas from infesting your pets, home, and yard.

Preventing Fleas on Your Pet

Close up of dog skin and dermatitis from flea bites.

 

The first place to prevent fleas is directly on your pet, the most susceptible host to the nasty biters. These are the best ways to protect your pet from the dangers of flea bites:

  • Consider using flea collars as part of a multi-pronged flea prevention approach.
  • Look into monthly, topical flea treatments that can kill adult fleas and eggs.
  • Prevent your pets from spending time in flea-infested locations, including your yard. If they do spend a lot of time outdoors, schedule a barrier treatment to effectively reduce the risk of flea and tick bites.
  • Limit the access wildlife has to your property where your pets spend time.
  • Brush pets regularly using a flea comb.
  • Use a topical flea spray to kill fleas removed by the comb or for spot treatments where your pet scratches.
  • Bathe pets regularly using flea shampoo. (Check your pets’ sensitivity to specific products, as some pets react adversely to certain shampoo ingredients.

Preventing Fleas in Your Home

Preventing fleas in your home largely depends upon keeping them off your pets and your property. However, once a single flea enters your home, you’re likely to get many more. The following care will help keep fleas out of your home:

  • Sweep and vacuum frequently and well. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and sofa cushions. Empty the vacuum outdoors so living fleas and viable eggs don’t get back in.
  • For serious flea infestations, steam-clean carpets to kill adult fleas and their eggs.
  • Wash the bedding, yours and your pet’s, frequently.

Preventing Fleas on Your Property

Avoiding the dangers of flea bites relies most heavily on keeping fleas off your property and away from your pets. The following steps will help keep your property free from biters:

  • Mow your grass frequently.
  • Avoid over-watering your lawn and landscaping.
  • Fix any irrigation leaks and leaky faucets.
  • Treat dog houses or dog runs with insecticide for fleas.
  • Keep weeds, fallen leaves, and garden litter off your property.
  • Keep wildlife away from your property.
  • Do not store food outdoors.
  • Keep tight lids on trash cans.
  • Regularly schedule professional flea control treatments.

Environmental Flea Control

Dog scratching itself from flea bites

Sometimes, environmental flea control is essential to stop potentially harmful flea bites.

While the most effective flea control is one that cuts off fleas’ access to your pets, this isn’t always practical. Some pets are sensitive to flea collars and topical flea treatments. Meanwhile, even once you kill the adult fleas that bite your pet, more trouble could be lurking. Eggs and immature fleas in your home and on your property can take months to mature to the blood-sucking stage. Ugh! So, environmental flea control measures become critical.

Some beneficial nematodes, specifically Steinernema Carpocapsae nematodes (SC), kill flea larvae on your property. The nematodes are microscopic living creatures that need moisture to live. First, water the soil of your grass, garden, and shrubs. Apply the nematodes in the early morning or late afternoon, then water again. It will take several weeks to see the results. Reapply in eight weeks.

There are also flea sprays you can use to treat your pets’ outdoor bedding, patio cushions, and dog runs or kennels. Some work for treating the grass, shrubs, and other vegetation where fleas like to hide. Many of the most effective flea sprays on the market are derived from plants.

Professional flea control to treat your property is another approach to environmental flea control. Your service professional comes to your home armed with the tools to kill adult fleas and their eggs. They target all the spots where fleas like to hide, treating your plants, dog runs, kennels, and any place where fleas are prone to shelter.

Often, the best way to eliminate flea bites is through a comprehensive approach. Topical dog flea bite treatments, together with home hygiene and an environmental flea control like Mosquito Joe®, can help you tame an infestation.

Contact Mosquito Joe® for Effective Flea Control

While fleas and the dangers of flea bites are common problems for pets and their parents, you don’t have to fight them alone! Mosquito Joe makes the outdoors fun again for both you and your pets by controlling nasty biters like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Our service professionals arrive promptly, in uniform, and driving a marked van. They have all the equipment and expertise required to effectively keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes away from your property. And all of our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction.

Our barrier treatment sprays are effective at seeking out pests where they hide, live, and breed. Not only can we make your yard and garden enjoyable again for you and your pets, but we also provide tips and advice on how to protect you, your family, your pets, and your property from annoying biters.

To learn more or to get started, contact Mosquito Joe nearest you today to help make flea bites a thing of the past.

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How to Get Rid of Ticks in Your Yard?

 
You might know ticks as annoying pests that you need to worry about throughout the summer. They aren’t the most pleasant guests because they can carry diseases that harm your health. However, tick control services and other solutions are readily available. It’s just a matter of learning how to get rid of ticks in your yard using the method that’s right for you.

Get Rid of Ticks with Natural Remedies

Before you go on a tick-eliminating spree, it’s important to consider the best way to deal with these pests. Of course, you can blast them with pesticides. But those can be a bit harsh, especially if you have a loved one who has a sensitive respiratory system. If you’d like to learn how to keep ticks out of your yard with natural remedies, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s review some options.

Cedar Oil Spray

Cedar oil spray is a practical, nontoxic treatment that removes ticks. You can find it in most home improvement or gardening stores. Just apply it to any area of your yard where you’ve noticed tick activity. What’s also beneficial about this spray is that you can use it directly on your skin or clothing when you’re out and about.

While buying a ready-made cedar oil spray is easy, you can always make the mixture yourself if you’re stuck at home without it. Grab an empty spray bottle and add about 60 drops of cedarwood oil. Then dilute with water and add in an ounce of grain alcohol. After that, shake it up, let it settle, and then usher the ticks away from you with a few sprays.

Eucalyptus or Neem Oil

Eucalyptus and neem oil are like kryptonite for ticks. They’ll die instantly if they come in contact with these essential oils. Like cedar oil spray, you can easily make this solution. Grab a spray bottle and mix 30 drops of your chosen oil with four ounces of water. Shake and then spray away.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Another excellent tick treatment for the yard is diatomaceous earth. It’s a powdered form of diatoms and probably one of the more potent natural remedies pests fear. If you plan to use this around your home, don’t worry. It’s entirely safe for kids, pets, and adults.

However, when ticks come in contact with it, they will become dehydrated immediately. That’s a death sentence for ticks because it kills them within a few hours. After a few sprays around your yard, you’ll notice less tick presence, allowing you to enjoy your backyard comfortably.

Get Rid of Ticks with Chemicals

Natural remedies are powerful and can eliminate ticks. But sometimes, the issue may call for more aggressive measures. In these cases, there are multiple options to choose from.

Acaricides

Acaricides can be used as a tick treatment for the yard. However, you must combine this solution with other tick control measures to make the most of this method. It’s also important to note that you should be careful when working with this chemical because it can be highly toxic. If you feel uneasy using this around your home, let the experts at Mosquito Joe® take care of the problem for you.

Fogger:

A fogger is a device that spreads insecticides to eliminate ticks and other pests that may be lurking in your yard. For the most effective chance at tick removal, look for EPA-approved foggers that include a specific insecticide for ticks.

Permethrin Yard Spray:

Another effective tick control measure is permethrin spray. It’s in the pyrethroid family of insecticides and is an excellent tool for perimeter pest control. Before spraying away, read the label on your product because not all permethrin sprays can be applied to particular surfaces or plants.

How Do Professionals From Mosquito Joe® Get Rid of Ticks?

Tick control can be a DIY project, but depending on the method you use, it will require dealing with chemicals, consistent application, and continued maintenance in order to be effective. If you’d rather not deal with all of that, then enlist the help of the local pest control professionals at Mosquito Joe. We know the best way to get rid of these pests, and how to keep them away. Here’s how our process works:

1. Tick inspection

We start with a tick inspection to find out the problem areas in your yard. Remember, although ticks love grass, they can also enter your home through pets or vermin. So we’ll need to check the interior and exterior for certain hot spots they may frequent.

2. Treatment

Following an inspection, we’ll treat your yard and other areas to remove ticks immediately. While we do this, we ask that you keep kids and pets away from the treatment area for at least 30 minutes to allow the application to dry. Once it’s settled, everyone will be able to enjoy the outdoors.

3. Follow-up Treatments

We’ll usually return for a follow-up monthly treatment to keep ticks at bay. Since these pests have a unique life cycle, missing a treatment might mean a rise in the tick population in and around your property. Tick treatment for the yard should start around spring and go into the early fall for the best results.

Maintain a Tick-Free Yard with Mosquito Joe

Now you know how to get rid of ticks in your yard. You can use these methods to protect your family and pets from ticks. If you’re not sure how to apply these methods or you would rather not take a DIY approach to tick control, let the experts at your local Mosquito Joe take care of ticks for you. We offer mosquito and tick control services, and can help you with other pest problems too! All of our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which guarantees complete customer satisfaction. So, don’t let a tick problem get under your skin, call the pros at Mosquito Joe, and request a free quote today!

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What Are the Most Common Fall Pests?

 

When fall rolls around every September, aren’t we able to bid farewell to all the creepy crawling bugs and rodents that have been invading our space all summer? Unfortunately, no. The fall season is the time that pests mate, hibernate, and take shelter from the cooler weather.

In this article, the pest control experts at Mosquito Joe® share information about the fall pests you’re most likely to find in your home and garden this year and some simple ways to prevent them.

Pests That Infest Homes in the Fall

Did you think mosquitos hightail it to Florida when the weather gets cooler? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While they may be more prevalent in the summer months when doors and windows are open, they still hang around in the fall. In addition to mosquitoes, here are the top seven fall pests that may cause you problems this fall:

  1. Ants: Like people, ants look for a warm place to go in the cooler months. Unfortunately, the place where they often find shelter is your home. Ants particularly love sugary or greasy substances, so to prevent them from taking up permanent residence in your home, keep areas where food is stored and prepared clean, and seal any entry points (no matter how small they seem).
  2. Spiders: During the fall, spiders are out searching for mates and nesting sites. This is why they seem like they may be taking over your home from September to December. Regular cleaning and decluttering can help reduce their presence.
  3. Centipedes: These creepy crawly creatures with all the legs look scary, but they aren’t necessarily our enemy. While you may not want them hanging out in your house, they do make themselves useful by hunting other insects and spiders who have also invaded your personal space in search of food, water, and a warm bed.
  4. Cluster Flies: Cluster flies hibernate in the winter season, so around fall, they are looking for somewhere warm and dark to sleep for the winter. Seal cracks in the walls of your home, and make sure all of your doors and windows have screens to keep these flies out.
  5. Stink bugs: No one wants this common fall bug lurking around their house. When threatened, stink bugs let out a smelly odor that contains a chemical that attracts other stink bugs. Unfortunately, stink bugs tend to be highly resistant to pesticides, so removing stink bugs can be challenging.
  6. Mice and Rats: As temperatures drop, rodents find warmth and food inside homes. They can damage wiring and may carry diseases, so it’s crucial to eliminate any potential entry points and maintain a clean environment.
  7. Mosquitoes: As mentioned, mosquitoes can still be active during the fall, depending on the climate. Some species can survive cooler temperatures, and some mosquitoes can even make it through winter, so it’s important to take measures to prevent breeding, such as removing standing water.

Keep Pests Out of Your Home When Temperatures Drop

How to prevent pests and rodents from taking over your home as temperatures cool down requires a combination of preventive measures.

Here are some fall pest control tips that will help:

  • Seal Entry Points: Look for gaps around windows and doors and check for cracks in the foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings and prevent pests from finding their way indoors.
  • Maintain a Clean Home: Keep countertops, floors, and other surfaces free of crumbs and spills. Empty trash cans regularly and keep garbage in sealed containers.
  • Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers to prevent pests like ants or pantry beetles from accessing it. Don’t leave pet food out overnight, and clean up spills promptly.
  • Remove Clutter: Pests love the cluttered areas in your home for hiding places and nesting sites. Declutter your home, especially in storage areas like basements and attics.
  • Maintain Outdoor Areas: Trim vegetation and shrubs away from your home because they can act as a pathway for pets to enter. Remove any standing water from gutters, flowerpots, or other outdoor containers to prevent mosquito breeding.
  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your home for signs of pests. If you see droppings, gnaw marks, or damaged materials, call Mosquito Joe!
    If you find that preventive measures are not effective or the pest problem persists, it’s time to call in the experts.

Fall Pest Control Treatment

Don’t let fall pests put a damper on pumpkin and apple pie season. With Mosquito Joe’s expertise in fall pest service, you can protect your home and property from these damaging pests. Our service professionals understand the unique behavior of pests during all seasons and implement targeted strategies to manage their population effectively. And with The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee to back every treatment, your satisfaction is guaranteed.

With locations across the United States, Mosquito Joe provides comprehensive pest control services tailored to your specific climate and local pest behavior.

Call on Mosquito Joe pest control and breathe easy. Request a quote today!

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Do Spotted Lanternflies Bite?

 

Have you ever seen an intriguing plant-hopping creature with gray and red wings and black spots and wondered what it was and whether it was threatening? You may have come across the spotted lanternfly. These sightings have become increasingly common in the United States, and many people become nervous when they encounter spotted lanternflies, unsure if they bite or pose other risks. Although native to China, they were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and are now primarily found throughout the Northeast and the central-eastern part of the United States.

If you have detected some negative attitudes surrounding these creatures and have become curious as to why spotted lanternflies are bad, we have answers. Read on to learn more about whether spotted lanternflies do indeed bite and what potential damage they could cause.

What Are Spotted Lanternflies?

Close up of spotted lanterfly on a leaf

Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) are an invasive species of insect originating in parts of Asia, including China, India, and Vietnam. They are commonly known as planthoppers. They are found on a variety of about 70 different species of woody plants and fruit crops, especially grapes.

Young spotted lanternfly nymph on plantSpotted lanternflies go through four stages in their life cycle: the egg, nymph, adult, and resting stages. Eggs are laid in masses that resemble grayish-brown mud or putty. Young nymphs emerge and go through metamorphosis stages before full adulthood. Early-stage nymphs are black with white spots, and they eventually develop red patches as they grow. The egg and nymph stages last about six months, starting in January each year.

Adult spotted lanternflies start emerging in June, are about 1 inch long, and have very distinctive markings. Their forewings are grayish with black spots, while their hindwings are red with black spots and a white band near the tips. When at rest, their wings fold tent-like over their bodies, creating a visually striking display. The adult and resting stages usually start in June and last about six months. The entire lifespan of a spotted lanternfly is about one year.

Are Spotted Lanternflies Dangerous?

 Close up of spotted lanterfly eggs on tree showing pencil for size comparisonWhen it comes to determining if the spotted lanternfly is dangerous, you may be wondering; do spotted lanternflies bite humans? Fortunately, spotted lanternflies do not bite humans or pets. This information will likely bring much relief the next time their spotted wings come into your view.  So, if they don’t bite humans or pets, why are spotted lanternflies bad? Unfortunately, their presence is cause for concern when it comes to plant life.

While spotted lanternflies do not bite us or our furry friends, they are still a significant nuisance to plants, trees, and crops. Their favorite host is the Tree of Heaven, though they will also eat from grapes, other hardwoods, and fruit trees. They pierce the bark of trees and plants to access the sap. This damages the tree or plant and can cause significant damage to agricultural crops.

Also, although we’ve established that spotted lanternflies are not dangerous to humans, and your pets won’t likely be bitten by spotted lanternflies, they should be kept away from them. Animals may be tempted to eat spotted lanternflies, and more research needs to be done to determine if this could cause serious health issues for your pet.

Why Are Spotted Lanternflies Bad?

Spotted lanternfly on grapes Spotted lanternflies can be a nuisance to humans due to their swarming behavior and large populations. Their presence in large numbers can create an unpleasant environment, especially in outdoor recreation areas, gardens, or even your own backyard.

Unfortunately, spotted lanternflies can be transported long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. This can have a significant impact on agriculture and the environment. Spotted lanternflies love to feast on fruit plants and trees. They especially like grape plants. They feed on these plants and weaken them, which reduces the crop yield. This can result in less fruit available for the public to purchase and higher prices for certain produce.

Let’s learn more about what to do when you find a spotted lanternfly.

What to Do When You Find a Spotted Lanternfly

Since first being spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014, spotted lanternflies have migrated to 13 other states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.

When you find a spotted lanternfly, there are likely many more somewhere nearby. When you discover spotted lanternflies in your area, you want to alert your local agricultural department and take immediate action to eliminate the threat to your plants and trees. Spotted lanternflies in the nymph stage can be sprayed with insecticides if you can catch them. Adults are harder to kill on contact and are best left to the professionals. Your local pest control service will have ways to eliminate this invasive pest.

How to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies?

Hiring a professional pest control service is the best defense against spotted lanternflies, especially if you find an infestation. However, there are several things you can do ahead of the arrival of a pest control service to help protect your property from spotted lanternflies. These include the following steps:

  1. If your property has trees of heaven, remove them. They are the spotted lanternfly’s favorite food source.
  2. Be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly egg masses in the winter towards the end of the year. If you spot one, you can scrape it off the tree into a bag. Add sanitizer, seal the bag, and dispose of it.
  3. Spray any nymphs or adults found with an insecticidal soap or apple cider vinegar. Do not spray vinegar directly on plants, as it may damage them.
  4. Plant milkweed. Spotted lanternflies are drawn to this plant, but it is poisonous to them and kills them.

Contact Mosquito Joe® for Spotted Lanternflies Control Services

You no longer have to panic about what to do when you find a spotted lanternfly. Mosquito Joe is here to help. Our service professionals are experienced in effectively removing all types of flying, biting, and annoying pests. And with work that is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and our own Mosquito Joe guarantee, you sure to be happy with the results. Request a free quote today or call us at 1-855-275-2563.

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States That Spend the Most on Their Pets

 

It’s no secret that dogs are a man’s best friend and have the power to steal their owners’ hearts with every wag of their tail. From little Frenchies in chic sweaters to fat cats cruising in strollers, these furry friends have become the center of their pet parents’ world.

To uncover the depth of love and luxury showered upon pets across the country, we embarked on a sweeping survey, spanning coast to coast. We asked residents about their spending habits for their beloved four-legged friends and sought to find out the cost of owning a pet across different states. Keep reading to discover the lengths to which different states go to pamper their furry companions!

Key Findings

  • New York has the most spoiled pets considering their owners spend the most in a year on average on them, about $2,900 on just food, toys, health, and hygiene, respectively.
  • Kansas residents are the stingiest with their pets overall. They only spend about $200 a year on average on their pet’s health and just less than that on toys and treats.
  • Everything is bigger in Texas, including a pet’s appetite. Texans spend the most on their pet food than any other state at about $1,300 a year.
  • Pet lovers in America spend around $1,100 a year on-boarding/pet care.

U.S. States That Spend the Most & Least on Their Pets

U.S. heatmap showcasing the states that spend the most and least on their pets

Caring for a puppy can be quite an investment. From essential pet needs like food, health, and hygiene (grooming, brushes, etc.) to indulgent luxuries such as toys, treats, and cozy beds, the cost of having a pet can add up quickly.

According to our survey results, New York ($2,913 yearly), Michigan ($2,743 yearly), and Texas ($2,560 yearly) lead the pack as the states that spend the most on their pet on average.

In New York, pet parents spare no expense, with substantial investments in pet food ($1,150 yearly), pet toys (over $630 yearly), and pet grooming (about $525 yearly). New York pets are living in the lap of luxury!

As for the Lone Star State, everything might be bigger in Texas, especially the appetite of its pets. Pet lovers in Texas lead the nation in dog food spending, splurging around $1,297 per year to satisfy their furry friends’ cravings.

On the flip side, Kansas ( $1,247 yearly), Maine ($1,346 yearly), and Ohio ($1,353 yearly) shell out the least amount of money for their furry companion.

In Kansas, penny-pinching is the norm, with an average yearly spend of about $200 on pet health and just a tad less ($199) on their beloved pets’ toys and treats.

The Pet Expense Americans Spend the Most & Least on in a Year

Table graphic showcasing the pet expense Americans spend the most and least on in a year

While our beloved pets get to enjoy the luxury of living rent-free, their owners certainly have financial responsibilities to bear. Delving into the pet budget breakdown, we sought to identify the areas where pet lovers allocate the most significant amount of money.

We found that, on average, most Americans dedicate $1,082 each year to ensure their furry companions receive the best pet care possible. From doggy daycares to pet boarding, pet care is an integral part of the pet ownership experience.

When it comes to satisfying their pets’ taste buds, Americans show their affection with an average annual spend of $811 on pet food. Regardless of their size or breed, there’s nothing quite like witnessing the sheer joy in a pup’s eyes at mealtime.

Pet insurance plays a significant role in Americans’ financial planning. With an average yearly investment of $566 in pet insurance, pet parents who choose to be on a plan find solace in knowing that their beloved companions are safeguarded, offering peace of mind amidst life’s uncertainties.

Closing Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of our pets by our side. Embrace this special bond and ensure your four-legged companions have a worry-free season by protecting them from pesky fleas and ticks with our services.

Say farewell to the nuisance of these pests and protect your furry friend. Don’t wait; schedule with Mosquito Joe event services and make this season a memorable one for you and your fur baby!

Methodology

To find the states that spend the most and least on their pet and which pet expense pet owners spend the most and least on overall, we surveyed residents of all 50 U.S. states in May of 2023 to know how much they spend on each commonly occurring pet expense. It is important to note that some states could not be included in this list due to not enough survey respondents. Those states are AK, HI, MT, ND, SD, VT, and WY. Using the respondents’ answers, we could then calculate the average yearly spend on each pet expense in every state.

In the pet expense section, we focused on pet insurance and pet care and discluded it from the previous section, recognizing that not every pet owner opts for insurance coverage or pet care.

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