Can Dogs Get Mosquito Bites?

Can dogs get bit by mosquitoes?

As a dog owner you might be wondering, whether dogs can be bitten by mosquitoes? The answer is definitely yes, your dog can easily be bitten by mosquitoes. They not only can cause discomfort to your dogs but can also lead to serious health issues. In this article, we have tried to explain the dangers of mosquito bites on dogs.

We have also took some effort in explaining how to treat them and also to protect your dogs from these buzzing insects.

When do mosquitoes bite dogs?

The mosquitoes are generally active in summer season and due to body heat, carbon dioxide and body odor released from dogs and other pets, they get attracted to it. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, than it is likely that your dog will attract loads of mosquitoes and will be an easy target for them.

If your dog seems to be agitating with discomfort and restless, you should give some time to identify mosquito bite on dog.

When mosquito land on the body of a dog, mostly at places with less fur or exposed skin. While initiating a mosquito bite, they pierce their proboscis into the skin and injects saliva. In response to this our immune system releases histamine which causes inflammation around the mosquito bite, and a sensation to scratch.

Can dogs get mosquito bites inside a home?

Yes, if your home doors and windows are not properly locked or sealed with mosquito screens and nets, there are chances that mosquitoes remain inside as the house provides a stable environment and their food requirements are fulfilled by sucking blood from your dogs and pets.

Also, your home can be a breeding zone if you have clogged drainages and leaking pipes in toilet, water pooling at floors, and open windows in toilets. You must keep a check on all these factors to protect your furry friend inside your home.

How to identify if my dog has mosquito bites?

When a dog has mosquito bites it will show discomfort and agitate to scratch the areas where mosquitoes had bitten your dog. The area will be red and swollen as bumps, just similar to what happens with humans. The dogs will try to lick, scratch or bite the areas with mosquito bites. In case of severe scratching or biting, it may expose some skin there which may lead to infections.

Do dogs get itchy from mosquito bites

Yes, your dog will be restless and in discomfort due to excessive itchiness and urge to scratch. This can lead to excessive scratching and in many dogs mosquito bites can show allergic reactions too. You should observe for severe symptoms like hives, swelling or breathing difficulty. In case of any unusual symptoms you should consult a veterinary doctor.

Do dogs can get any diseases due to mosquito bites?

Mosquito bites can pose a serious risk of heartworm disease in dogs which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time. The mosquitoes can spread heart worm disease where the parasitic worms are transmitted into the dog. These worms live in the heart, heart vessels, and liver of your dog, which can lead to lung diseases, heart failure, etc.

How to protect dogs from mosquitoes?

By applying effective strategies and proactive actions you can learn, how to protect dogs from mosquitoes. Follow the steps below to prevent mosquito bites on dogs:

1. Use dog safe mosquito repellents

You can use many commercial products that are specifically designed for dogs. Apply directly on their skin or follow the instructions on the product. You can also check and get advise from your vet to get an idea about mosquito repellents that are safe for dogs

2. Keep your dog indoors, limit outdoor time

Try to limit your dog’s outdoor activity, specially at the time of peak mosquito activity, i.e., from evening to early morning. In day time, when usually your dog needs some play time, you can use protective clothing or mosquito sprays that are safe.

3. Focus on stopping mosquito breeding and infestation

Check inside and outside your home, for any mosquito infestation and breeding grounds. Remove all standing water sources and repair leakages and clogged drainages, etc. Repair potholes, puddles, and get the jammed gutters and pipelines clean, if any.

Take immediate action against mosquito larvae, if you find any. You can check what kills mosquito larvae in standing water.

4. Use physical barriers like mosquito nets and screens

Cover your dog houses and pens with mosquito nets and screens to give chemical free protection. Inside the nets your dog will be free to play and spend quality time. It will also protect from other pests and rodents that may disturb your dog at outdoors.

5. Grow natural repellent plants

Plant natural mosquito repellent plants like Lemongrass, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, jasmine, marigold, etc. that will give natural protection and keep mosquitoes away. There are many mosquito repellent plants that may be used in combination to give more better protection against mosquitoes.

6. Keep your garden, yard and lawn clean and tidy

Trim lawn grass and bushes to cut down extra spaces for mosquitoes to hide. Clean lawn grass clippings that are wet and provide hiding space for mosquitoes. Clean the clutter around the garden and lawn that remains untouched for a long time. Look and maintain after your garage to avoid any mosquito infestation.

If you have got any decorative garden pond or water feature, you must maintain and avoid larval growth in them. Make use of larvicides, mosquito dunks, or other home remedies to kill mosquito larvae.

7. Use outdoor sprays

You can use certain essential oils that are safe for dogs. Before using any do your research or check our blog for dog safe mosquito repellent sprays. There are also commercial mosquito repellents that are effective and safe for dogs. Spray them frequently around the dog house and its play area, as these sprays are highly volatile and short term effect. Repeated use of such spray can give better protection to your dog.

8. Use Fire pits and burn coffee grounds

You can use fire pits, where the smoke will deter mosquitoes. You can add certain mosquito repelling compounds like dried lemongrass leaves, basil leaves, cedarwood chips, etc. or else you can burn coffee grounds in fire pit which is natural and cost effective. We have given complete details for using fire pits for mosquitoes and burning coffee grounds, in other articles on our blog.

9. Use Protective clothing and wearable accessories

In pet shops you will find protective clothing which provides coverage to most of the exposed body areas of your dog and gives mosquito protection. There are also accessories available for dogs like mosquito repellent collars. These wearables are safe and not irritating for dogs.

Why is my dog getting bit by mosquitoes so frequently?

All dogs and pets exhales carbon dioxide, releases body heat and body odor along with certain chemicals through perspiration. This is what attracts mosquitoes. If your dog spends most of the time outdoors, specially in the peak hours of mosquito activity than they are very much prone to mosquito attacks.

Also, if your yard has dense vegetation which can provide hiding space for mosquitoes, or else if there are sources of standing water which provides grounds for breeding, can increase mosquito population around your yard. If proper measures are not taken to protect your dog, they will chew your dog rigorously.

You must take preventive measures listed above to protect your dog from mosquitoes.

Does dog poop attract mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are mainly attracted to warmth, moisture, standing water and carbon dioxide and body odors. The dogs poop may not be that attractive to mosquitoes, but if its allowed to decompose than it may attract flies and other pests. These insects will create an environment that will attract mosquitoes. So it is important to clean up your lawn and yard, of any dog poop, to keep mosquitoes off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)