Wondering do dogs get mosquito bites? Learn about how mosquitoes affect dogs, the risks involved, and tips on protecting your furry friend from itchy bites.
Do Dogs Get Mosquito Bites – Prevent Mosquito Bites on Dogs
Mosquitoes can be really annoying insects. They bite us and cause itchy welts on our skin. They can also sometimes transfer diseases that, if untreated, can lead to death.
However, mosquitos don’t only attack humans. They see dogs as their prey, too. Have you ever seen your dog scratching a specific spot on their skin with intensity? It would probably be because of a mosquito bite. If you are wondering whether dogs get mosquito bites, the ugly truth is that they do. Sorry to break this to you.
In this article, you’ll discover all you need to know about mosquito bites on dogs and some practical tips to help you address and prevent them.
Do Dogs Get Mosquito Bites?
Dogs can’t avoid these little bothersome, thirsty-for-blood insects despite their fur. They fall prey to mosquitoes just like humans.
So, even if your doggy has thick fur or lengthy hair, don’t lean back and think your pet is safe. Mosquito bites are pretty common for your lovely doggo.
How Can You Detect A Mosquito Bite On Your Dog?
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Pretty easily. They look similar to bites in humans. Once bitten, your dog’s skin gets a small, raised, reddish, itchy welt like the ones you get when attacked by these bloodsucking insects.
You may also see your dog lick, bite, or scratch a particular spot on its body, but this behavior will cease within a day.
Sometimes, there may be more than one welts in a particular area of your pet’s body or various parts. This is the case when an exceptionally hungry mosquito has landed on your dog, or a group of them has made an attack.
Whatever the case, these welts may not be easily detected by your eyes, depending on the thickness of your pet’s fur and hair. For instance, you may not see them effortlessly on a Labrador.
Are Mosquito Bites On Dogs Harmful?
Most of the time, no. As it happens with bites on humans, mosquito bites on dogs resolve quietly – after a day or two, without causing any harm apart from the annoying itchiness.
However, there are cases when they can be really harmful and cause even some severe diseases.
For example, if your dog chews on the bite frequently, it may become infected. The welt may swell, and your dog may need medication to cure the infection.
Other times, although rare, your dog may have an allergic reaction to the mosquito bite. This condition is called anaphylaxis, and if not treated promptly, it may even lead to death.
There is also the case when mosquitoes are vectors and carry diseases that can pass on to your furry friend—have you ever heard of the West Nile virus? Well, dogs can catch it by a mosquito bite. Another illness is the eastern equine encephalitis.
However, heartworm disease is the most serious illness that mosquitoes can inflict on dogs. After a bite, larval worms can get into your doggo’s bloodstream, start reproducing, and attack your pet’s heart, causing cardiac, respiratory, and organ damage.
How Can You Treat Mosquito Bites on Your Dog?
Before proceeding, one thing to emphasize is that prevention is always better than treatment. So, it’s best to ensure that you’ve taken your measures early and that your dog has received all aspects of heartworm prevention. After all, heartworm disease is the most severe illness a dog can catch from a mosquito bite.
If you see them chewing or scratching a specific spot on their body, don’t worry. It’ll probably be a welt that will wear off after some hours. What you can do, however, is to keep an eye on your dog so that they won’t over-scratch (use an Elizabeth collar or a tee) and cause an unwanted infection. In this case, visit your vet.
If by any chance you see any signs of an allergic reaction (it can be vomiting, swelling, diarrhea, and lethargy, stop what you do right away and seek emergency medical care. Anaphylaxis can lead to death.
Finally, signs like coughing and weight loss indicate heartworm disease, which is at an advanced stage and requires special, expensive treatment to cure.
Can You Prevent Mosquito Bites On Your Dog?
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The truth is that you can’t escape those insects outdoors. However, some ways exist to eliminate the risk of biting your furry friend.
Let’s break them down into pieces:
- Use Screens On Your Windows. They will keep mosquitoes from entering your house.
- Install Bug Lights. During the summer months or when outdoors, use lights that repel insects, including mosquitoes.
- Stay away From Stagnant Waters. Avoid marshy and wet places, and empty any bins filled with water near your house. Also old tires filled with rain stagnant water.
- Use Mosquito Repellents. But ensure they are pet-friendly. Dog-friendly in particular. There are special collars that their effect may last up to six months. There are also topical treatments used on your dog’s skin that can both repel and kill mosquitoes and can last up to a month.
- Use Insecticides. But, take precautions. Some products of this kind may be harmful to your dog, whether they inhale it or lick it from somewhere.
- Minimize Exposure. For instance, don’t walk your dog at dusk or early evening if you’ve detected enhanced mosquito circulation at these hours.
FAQs
1. Can a Mosquito Bite My Dog?
Yes, it’s highly probable. Mosquitos don’t only bite humans. They can bite dogs as well. If you live or frequently visit warm places with stagnant waters where mosquitos appear mostly, your dog may get bitten by them.
2. How Will I Know If My Dog Gets a Mosquito Bite?
The symptom is the same as it is with people. You’ll see a small raised red welt on their skin – and your dog scratching it. However, the itchiness and the wel will disappear after hours or the next day.
3. Can I Avoid Mosquito Bites On My Dog?
Ensure you eliminate stagnant waters from your whereabouts. Empty any water you keep in bins around your house. In addition, use screens on your doors and windows. Another effective method is to use mosquito repellents (pet-friendly ones) to keep them away from your dog and minimize the risk of biting.
4. Can I Make A Natural Mosquito Repellent?
You can use citrus. Mosquitoes hate it. Cut it into pieces and then rub them on your pet’s coat. Be careful not to touch its eyes. Alternatively, you can make a lemon spray by juicing four lemons, mixing the juice with water, and putting the liquid in a spray bottle.
The Bottom Line
Mosquitos are not selective when out for food. They can equally show preference to dogs and not only to humans. Yes, dogs get mosquito bites as well.
However, those bites tend to be harmless. The itchy welts they cause on your dog’s skin typically disappear after a day or two. There are some, though, when mosquito bites on dogs aren’t innocent and may inflict severe illnesses such as heartworm disease.
To keep your dog safe from those blood-sucking insects, you can cater for heartworm prevention, eliminate your dog’s exposure to bite threats, and use pet-friendly repellents.
And if your dog gets a mosquito bite, don’t panic. Just try to avoid getting bitten yourself.
