Can Dogs Get Mosquito Bites? How to Protect Them

Mosquitoes are likely something you’ve dealt with in the past. Their buzzing, biting, persistence, and ability to send you inside scratching. But have you ever paid attention to how they impact your dog? You may wonder: Can dogs get mosquito bites?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes, dogs do get mosquito bites. And just like humans, these bites cause aggravating symptoms and sometimes serious illnesses. Checking for mosquito bites on your furry friend is crucial for their health, well-being, and comfort. Learn more about how to identify mosquito bites on dogs, treat them, and prevent them from happening again.

How Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

It may seem like it would be too hard for mosquitoes to get through your dog’s fur to bite them. This is partially true. Mosquitoes prefer to target exposed skin (that’s why humans are their preferred menu item) or areas with shorter, less dense fur. That’s why the most common locations of mosquito bites on dogs are their ears, belly, and nose. And dogs with shorter coats are at a higher risk of a mosquito burrowing through the fur to bite. Your dog may also be more susceptible to mosquito bites at dusk or night when these biters are more active.

So, what does a mosquito bite look like on a dog? Do dogs get mosquito bite bumps like we do?
Actually, mosquito bites on dogs and cats look and feel very similar to the ones we get. They form raised, red welts and are often itchy. You may observe your pet frantically scratching one particular spot. Some bites cause skin irritation or even temporary hair loss.

The Risks Of Mosquito Bites On Dogs

In most cases, your dog will recover quickly. The itching usually subsides after a few days, and the welt typically resolves on its own. However, there are more serious risks.

Allergic Reactions in Dogs After A Mosquito Bite

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to mosquito bites. Signs of a canine mosquito allergy can include:

Severe swelling and redness at the bite site
Hives breaking out all over the body
Swelling of the face or muzzle
Labored breathing
Vomiting
Elevated heart rate
Excessive drooling
Pale gums

If you suspect your dog may be having an allergic reaction to a pest bite, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Heartworm Disease

When a mosquito bites your dog, you can expect itching to follow. Most of the time, a mosquito bite will simply annoy your dog for a few days. However, mosquito bites on dogs can be dangerous in many ways. Mosquito bites on dogs can lead to heartworm disease. It only takes a single bite by a mosquito infected with heartworm larvae for your dog to get sick.

If left untreated, heartworms are very dangerous and can even be deadly for your pet. The adult worms may travel to your pet’s heart or lungs, causing blood clots, respiratory distress, or organ failure. Using medication prescribed by your vet is the best treatment and prevention of heartworm disease. Get your dog on a preventative heartworm treatment with your vet. Start treatment when your dog is eight weeks old.

What To Do If Your Dog Gets A Mosquito Bite

If you suspect your dog has a mosquito bite, don’t delay. In the absence of serious symptoms, there are some steps you can take to give your furry friend relief:

Inspect the bite: Check for swelling, redness, or signs of irritation and confirm the bite is that of a mosquito and not another pest.
Clean the area: Gently wash the bite with mild soap and warm water to remove any bacteria that could contribute to an infection.
Monitor for signs of infection: Monitor your dog and the bite for any signs of worsening symptoms that could indicate infection or allergy. Seek immediate medical care as needed.

When dogs get mosquito bites, they can also contract other dangerous — sometimes deadly — diseases, such as Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Fortunately, these diseases are rare, but if you notice symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or fever, report them to your vet immediately.

How To Soothe Your Dog’s Discomfort

Just like when humans get mosquito bites, dogs can experience discomfort, including itching and irritation. Much like with humans, you want to take action as quickly as possible to bring relief to your furry friend:

Place a cold compress: Apply an ice pack, ice wrapped in a paper towel, or other cold compress to the bite to help with itching and swelling.
Apply anti-itch creams or sprays: Over the counter products you can buy at your pet store offer itch relief to dogs with bug bites.
Prevent scratching or licking: While it may be hard, try to keep your dog from biting, scratching, licking, and irritating the bite site.
Consider antihistamines: Veterinarians may recommend antihistamines for dogs that are experiencing severe itching and other symptoms.

Prevent Additional Mosquito Bites

To keep your dog from getting bit by a mosquito in the first place, consider these preventative tips:

Limit your dog’s time outside when mosquitoes are the most active. This is usually at dawn or dusk when the weather is warm.
Dress your pet in a doggie shirt or jacket to deter hungry mosquitoes.
Remove standing water where mosquitoes are likely to collect and breed. Keep an eye on ponds, birdbaths, pet water bowls, and other wet areas.
Keep living areas closed off from insects. Shut windows and doors, use screens and storm doors, and use mosquito netting where possible to keep pests away from your dog.
Keep up with yard work by mowing your grass regularly, picking up leaves and other forms of debris, and trimming bushes and shrubs. This helps reduce the areas where mosquitoes like to thrive.
Use fans when you are outdoors. The airflow can be difficult for mosquitoes to fly against, keeping them away from you and your pup.

Prioritize Dog-Friendly Mosquito Repellents

In addition to simple efforts around the house, you can take additional steps to address and repel mosquitoes effectively:

Vet-approved topical repellents: Some bug repellents are veterinarian-approved for dogs, offering protection from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. They often use ingredients like permethrin and fipronil and can double to help protect your dog from other bugs, including ticks.
Natural essential oil sprays: Some sprays containing lemon juice or essential oils like lemongrass or cedar oil can help prevent mosquito bites. However, make sure to check with your vet before using them around your pet. Be careful—citronella and certain essential oils are harmful to pets.
Dog-friendly bug sprays and wipes: Some sprays and wipes you use on yourself are also okay to use on your dogs. Again, consult with your vet and consider chemical-free alternatives that can deter mosquitoes without added risk.
Mosquito-repellent collars: Some flea and tick collars also repel mosquitoes. Your vet may recommend one of these collars if you have concerns about pests and your pet.
Professional mosquito spraying: Keep mosquitoes out of your yard and away from your family with professional mosquito control services. We can spray your yard and get rid of mosquitoes for good with regular treatments. Schedule a barrier spray treatment from Mosquito Joe to rid your property of mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Protect Your Dogs With Mosquito Joe

Mosquito bites are no fun for anyone, and your dog is no exception. Keeping your pets and family guarded against mosquitoes starts at home. At Mosquito Joe®, we stop biters from pestering your family — the two-footed and four-footed members alike! Our comprehensive Mosquito Joe services protect you, your family, and your furry friends from mosquitoes.

When you call on the experts at Mosquito Joe, your satisfaction is guaranteed because of the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back all our work. Preventing mosquito bites on dogs is a crucial step in protecting their health.

Let’s make your outdoor spaces fun again for everyone! Request a free estimate!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Can Dogs Get Mosquito Bites? What Every Pet Owner Should Know