Mosquito Bites on Dogs - Should You Take Precautions?

We all know mosquitoes love to bite and pester humans, but what about your dog? Learn how (and why) to establish mosquito protection for dogs.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

Yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Mosquitoes are not picky about the type of warm-blooded animal they feed on. Because the insects are so small and determined, a dog’s fur does not work as a barrier against bites, regardless of how long or thick the fur is.

Do dogs feel mosquito bites? Totally. Nobody wants a mosquito bite, including your dog! Bites itch and may become infected. Mosquitoes may even transmit harmful diseases.

Can Dogs Get Sick from Mosquito Bites?

Just like humans, every dog has a unique physical reaction to mosquito bites. Dogs are also at risk of contracting diseases from mosquitoes, depending on their location.

Before covering disease details, let’s talk about the itch and what to do about it: Some dogs may feel a slight itch, while others may become extremely itchy or swollen from an allergic reaction. If you notice your dog becoming uncomfortable, we recommend contacting your veterinarian to relieve the reaction.

Are Mosquitoes Dangerous to Dogs?

Dogs can get several harmful diseases from mosquitoes. Some of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in dogs are heartworm, West Nile Virus, and canine parvovirus. Luckily, if these diseases are detected early, your dog can be treated and likely make a full recovery.

If you have many mosquitoes in your yard, it’s extra important to keep your dog up-to-date on heartworm prevention medication and to get regular vet check-ups to avoid complications from mosquito-borne illnesses.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Off Dogs

A pet’s skin is sensitive and reacts differently to mosquito repellents than yours. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet after trying any treatment for the first time to make sure they don’t exhibit any signs of discomfort. It’s also a good idea to consult a veterinarian before trying anything new.

Some common dog-safe mosquito repellents and tricks include:

• Applying diluted citrus juice – Mosquitoes don’t like citrus smells. Heavily dilute citrus juice with water and spray a light mist of the natural mixture on your dog’s coat. Because full-concentration citrus can be toxic to pets if ingested, avoid using lemon essential oils or juice alone. These are too strong.
• Cleaning standing water – Standing water can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Avoid this by frequently replacing the water in bird baths and cleaning out water in buckets, rain barrels, or planters. If you have a pool, make sure it’s properly skimmed and cleaned. To have your pool regularly cleaned for you, contact America’s Swimming Pool Company for pool cleaning services.
• Planting mosquito-repellent plants – Plants such as basil, catnip, and rosemary naturally repel mosquitoes from your yard. Be sure to avoid choosing plants that can be toxic to pets if eaten, such as citronella, lavender, marigolds, and geraniums.
• Using pet-specific bug spray and topical treatments – You can find pet-specific mosquito repellents at pet stores or your veterinarian’s office. These may be good options if you’re in an area without excessive mosquitoes and if your dog doesn’t have sensitive skin. Otherwise, try the next tip.
• Scheduling mosquito treatment – Traditional mosquito barrier treatment is the best way to keep mosquitoes away from your dog without applying anything to their skin or fur. Mosquito Squad is the team that does it the right way, with the right products! After we apply the barrier treatment to your yard, your pup simply has to wait 30 minutes before enjoying the space again. The mosquitoes will stay away for up to three weeks. Even better, this treatment also supports tick control.

Can You Put Mosquito Spray on Dogs?

Refrain from using human insect repellent on your dog. Deet, various oils, and scents commonly found in bug spray can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Topically, the spray may only cause your dog slight irritation, but if your dog licks their skin after the spray is applied, it can lead to severe health problems.

The Easy Way to Control Mosquitoes and Protect Your Dog

A yard without mosquitoes is the ideal pet playground! Instead of trying to fight the bugs with methods that require research, work, and maintenance, get mosquito control services from Mosquito Squad’s technicians. Contact us today for a  free quote, or call us at (877) 332-2239!