How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Dog Water

Over 3,000 species of mosquitoes exist in the world, with 176 of them in the United States. According to the American Mosquito Control Association website, mosquitoes pose risks for both humans and animals, carrying diseases such as West Nile and forms of encephalitis. Heartworms -- a life-threatening disease for dogs -- travel by mosquitoes. Therefore, preventing mosquitoes from taking over your dog's water bowl is important.

Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect your dog's water bowls every other day. Look for mosquito larva or "wrigglers." According to the University of Kentucky, the larvae come to the top of the water for air. Mosquito pupae, or "tumblers," move through the water by rolling and are easily recognized.

    • 2

      Empty the water bowl if you see any signs of larva or pupae. The larvae and pupae feed on microorganisms in the water and cannot live when poured onto the ground.

    • 3

      Change the water in your dog water bowls at least once a week, even if you do not see larva. This helps prevent the growth of the microorganisms the adults seek for laying eggs.

    • 4

      Turn over the dog water bowls when not in use. This prevents water from accumulating and becoming stagnate, which creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes.