no-see-ums | Hey… It's Jet Here

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Bet you’re thinking fire drills, right? Nope. In my K9 world, when you see me stop, drop and roll, it means I’m itchy. Yup. Tropical Itchy Season has returned in full force. To demonstrate my manly man toughness, my mind over matter Scooby Doo Academy training, I’ve coped stoically for the last 6 weeks or so. However, I can no longer mask my itchies.

Mom and I have the most sensitive skin amongst our family members, both 2 and 4 legged. Right around the beginning of mango bloom season, (mid/late February), the top part of my tail and my rump area begin to sustain itchies. We use this Vet’s Best Spray to help.

A few days/weeks, depending on the year, after that Spring Ahead time change thingie you humans do with the clock, the No-See-Ums start to come out and bother us during our walks. Mom changes her walking pants from Capri length to cover-the-ankles length. We both begin to get bites; Mom on her lower legs and arms and me, usually on my back half.

Now, whenever I go outside, I Stop, Drop & Roll before I can focus on anything else. Mom first thinks I’m sucking up for belly rubs until she remembers that this technique scratches all the itchy parts I cannot reach myself. She usually does rub my belly, an added bonus! (I look like this.)

Mosquito season goes into high alert in a few weeks, when our 6-8 month rainy season begins. Oh boy, do Mom and I get bitten. Mom tells me that’s because she and I are so sweet! Yes, we try all of the natural pest options, without much luck.

So, if you see me doing the Stop Drop and Roll,