Mosquitoes are a common problem, especially in the warmer months when you’re trying to spend time outside. You might spray yourself with bug spray, put a fan on, and light your essential oils for protection, but what about your furry friend? You may wonder: Can dogs get mosquito bites?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, dogs can and do get mosquito bites. And just like humans, these bites cause aggravating symptoms and sometimes serious illnesses. Learn more about the potential for dog mosquito bites and how you can help protect your pet for their health, well-being, and comfort. Plus, rest assured that Mosquito Joe® is here to help with professional pest control services.
Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?
Yes, mosquitoes bite dogs, even if they have thick fur. If you thought your dog’s coat provided enough protection against mosquitoes, you were partially correct. Mosquitoes use their proboscis to penetrate fur and reach your canine’s skin. However, they do prefer to target exposed skin, which is why bites are more common on humans than pets.
When checking your dog for mosquito bites, check areas with shorter, less dense fur. Dogs with shorter coats are at a higher risk of a mosquito burrowing through the fur to bite. The most common locations of mosquito bites on dogs are their ears, belly, and nose.
Symptoms of Mosquito Bites on Dogs
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 notice your pet scratching at a certain spot repeatedly, whining, and showing other signs of annoyance. Overall, symptoms to look out for include:
- Skin irritation like red raised bumps
- Scratching and itching at the bite site
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling and hives
- Signs of systemic illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing
Monitor your dog for signs of an allergic reaction or development of a mosquito-borne illness. In most cases, your dog will recover quickly. The itching usually subsides after a few days, and the welt typically resolves on its own.
Are Mosquito Bites Dangerous for Dogs?
In many cases, mosquitoes and dogs don’t pose much of a risk. However, they can cause an allergic reaction and cause serious health conditions like heartworm disease. As a pet owner, make sure you understand potential risks, symptoms to look out for, and methods for prevention to help protect your furry family member.
Allergic Reactions
Like humans, dogs can be allergic to mosquito bites. Some dogs are more sensitive to the saliva mosquitoes inject into the bloodstream when they feed. This sensitivity can trigger a stronger immune response as the dog’s body detects a foreign substance. Severe allergies pose a more serious risk. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Anaphylaxis
- Diarrhea
- Hives breaking out all over the body
- Labored breathing
- Severe swelling and redness at the bite site
- Swelling of the face or muzzle
- Vomiting
Notify your vet of any concerns regarding mosquitoes and dogs. They may recommend antihistamines or corticosteroids to help manage symptoms.
Heartworm
Mosquito bites on dogs can also lead to heartworm disease in dogs. First, mosquitoes bite an animal already infected with heartworm disease, such as a fox or wolf. They pick up the baby worms that develop into infective larvae and are injected into the mosquito’s next host. Heartworm symptoms in dogs can vary from coughing and tiredness after moderate activity to weight loss, trouble breathing, loss of appetite, and more.
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.
Other Mosquito Illnesses
Mosquito bites also put dogs at risk of parasitic, viral, and bacterial infections. When they feed off of another animal’s blood, they can take in parasites, viruses, and bacteria that are transmitted to their next host. Aside from heartworm, other mosquito-borne illnesses include:
- West Nile Virus
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus
- Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus
- Tularemia
Fortunately, these diseases are rare, but if you notice symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or fever, report them to your vet immediately. They can confirm a diagnosis with blood tests, imaging scans, urinalysis, fecal testing, and other analyses to recommend appropriate treatment.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites on Dogs
Luckily, there are several ways you can help protect your dogs from mosquito bites. First, contact your vet to see if there are any preventative treatments you should pursue, such as heartworm medication. Many vets recommend starting this at eight weeks old.
You may also be able to repel mosquitoes on dogs with a homemade spray of lemon juice and water that you spray on their coat before going outside. However, be careful of citronella and other essential oils that could be harmful to animals. Professionals like those at Mosquito Joe can also come and spray your property with traditional mosquito barrier treatments or eco-friendly options.
Finally, consider basic mosquito prevention tips. Keep mosquitoes out of your home by closing doors and windows and ensuring screens aren’t damaged. Remove sources of standing water around your property that are likely to attract mosquitoes. When your pup is outside, consider doggie jackets or keeping them in screened-in areas to block mosquitoes and other pests.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets a Mosquito Bite
There are several steps you can take to help prevent mosquito bite complications with your dog. There are also ways to provide them relief from the itchy bites.
Check your dog for mosquito bites after being outside and monitor them. If they exhibit any adverse reactions, if they develop hives, or if there are signs of swelling and severe irritation, contact your vet as soon as possible. Take action with signs of allergies as well, such as lethargy, not eating as much, fever, or vomiting.
With your vet’s permission, there are at-home remedies for dog mosquito bites you can try. A cold compress on the bite site can relieve itching, as can a paste made from baking soda and water. Aloe vera gel, aloe-based lotions, or lotions with oatmeal may also soothe itching. In some cases, like if your dog gets multiple mosquito bites, your veterinarian may recommend Benadryl.
How Mosquito Joe Can Help Protect Your Dog From Mosquitoes
Keeping your pets and family guarded against mosquitoes starts at home. At Mosquito Joe, we stop biters from pestering your family with a range of pest control services, including mosquito misting systems, mosquito traps, and other mosquito control solutions.
When you call on the experts at Mosquito Joe, your satisfaction is guaranteed because of the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and our Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee. Contact us today for a free estimate and start making strides toward a comfortable, pest-free property.
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.
