Mosquitoes and Dogs

Have you heard any reports lately from where you live about West Nile Virus? It's rearing its ugly head here in Colorado again. Very scary stuff. My son, David, had it a couple of years ago. Oh man, he was SO sick. Given how bad it can get, though, he was actually very lucky. It did, however, take him about 6 months to a year to feel like he was back to normal. It left him very susceptible to upper respiratory infections, though.

One of the men Hubs used to work with has it real bad right now. Word has it he even had to quit his job. I so hope that isn't the case. The last thing one needs to have happen when they're ill is lose their health insurance! There is a story on the 9News web site about a man who contracted West Nile a year ago and is still having a very hard time. He only has about 10% use of one of his legs. So sad. Remember, people, wear mosquito repellent!! Make sure it has DEET in it! Believe me, West Nile is NOT something you want to mess around with.

Now, changing the subject quite abruptly ... lol ... do any of you dog owners/lovers out there have any idea why a dog who's never been afraid of thunder before would suddenly become terrified of it? My beautiful, wonderful girl, Cheyenne, has become scared to death of it. We had a thunderstorm in the middle of the night tonight (or should I say this morning?) around 3:00AM. I was still up, of course, sitting here at the puter blog-hopping, and she was literally trying to climb on my lap. Mind you, she weighs at least 80 pounds! I sat here trying to type comments and stuff with her halfway on and halfway off my lap. LOL I felt sorry for her. She was shaking like a leaf. Her apparent fear of thunder started just a few days ago when we had a gully-washer with VERY loud thunder. She was all over me that day! I have bruises on my legs and arms to prove it! LOL I just don't understand why it would start so out-of-the-blue like that. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

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Posted by Leigh on August 6, 2007 4:46 AM |

Thoughts from others

I live in Colorado also and although it has never been confirmed we believe my wife had west nile about six years ago when we first started hearing about it and noone knew exactly what to look for. Again it took years for her to feel "normal" and occasionally she still feels what she calls "the mysterious"
Anyway scary stuff.
We also had a dog when I was a kid that was absolutely terrified of thunder. No idea why or how to cure it. Sorry, but I can feel for you. A pannicked dog that loves you and looks to you for comfort is not a fun dog to be around!!

Great post.

Posted by: Nathan | August 6, 2007 8:01 AM

I know they have found mosquitos with West Nile virus in Plano, TX which is the neighboring town. The news said they would be spraying, but it doesn't make me feel very confident about being outside with those pesky things.
My mom's little dog is also afraid of thunder, she just shakes when there is a storm.

Posted by: Lynne | August 6, 2007 8:44 AM

I didn't know West Nile was being a problem again. Thankfully it has been very dry here and not many mosquitos.

Yep, mom's dog is so afraid during thunderstorms. She starts shaking before we even know a storm is coming.

Posted by: Karen | August 6, 2007 1:22 PM

Nathan -- first of all, thank you very much for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. Much appreciated! :) Secondly, I know exactly what you're talking about with regard to your wife. My husband is sure he had it, too. It's hard to say for sure, as back then there was also a virus that wasn't West Nile, but mimicked it. They were calling it the "shadow virus". My oldest son had it and was terribly ill. It was/is all very strange!

Lynne -- They spray here once a week. The skeeters are back in two days! I don't know how much good it does. I guess if they didn't spray, we'd be having an enormous infestation or something. lol

Karen -- you're lucky! Well, as far as the mosquitoes go, anyway. Having it very dry in the summer may be good for a low mosquito count, but presents a bunch of other problems, doesn't it!

Posted by: Leigh | August 6, 2007 2:25 PM

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