Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs? Treatment and Prevention

Many of us have had to withstand the itchy wrath of a mosquito at some point. These flying critters not only snack on our blood at any given opportunity, but they leave behind an irritating bite that lingers for hours.

We know that mosquitoes bite our skin when given the chance, so does this mean they bite our dogs as well? It turns out that our dogs are just as much at risk of mosquito bites as we are, so let’s discuss everything you need to know about mosquito bites in dogs below!

What Are Mosquitoes?

Before we dive into the details of mosquito bites in dogs, we should first discuss what a mosquito is in the first place. A mosquito is a tiny flying insect that feeds on the blood of humans, as well as other animals. While male mosquitoes survive on nectar from flowers, female mosquitoes require blood to nourish themselves and reproduce.

Mosquitoes can be present in the environment at any time of day, but they are most active between the hours of dusk until dawn. They find their hosts from their expelled carbon dioxide and body heat, and once they land on their host, they feast on their blood through a tiny bite. The itchy bump that lingers after the bite is the body’s reaction to the mosquitoes saliva.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

We wish our dogs were immune to itchy mosquito bites, but unfortunately, that is not the case. If your dog spends any time outdoors, then they are at risk of being bitten by a mosquito. Mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans, as they have plenty of tasty blood that mosquitoes love.

Many assume that mosquitoes cannot bite a dog due to the layer of fur that covers their body, but mosquitoes can still gain access to a dog’s skin. Even if you have a long-haired furry friend, they can still bite the less protected areas around their ears, nose, and legs.

Are Mosquito Bites Itchy for Dogs?

Many of us know just how itchy a mosquito bite can be, causing some to wonder if mosquito bites are just as itchy for dogs. While the bite reaction will vary from dog to dog, most mosquito bites will be mildly irritating, no matter which type of animal they bite.

The raised and itchy bump that a mosquito bite causes is not due to the mosquito itself, but it is the body’s response to the saliva they leave behind. The body sees the mosquito’s saliva as a foreign invader, leading to the irritating immune response that comes soon after the bite. The immune response will vary based on how sensitive the dog is to the mosquito’s saliva, but you can typically expect a raised and red bump on the skin.

The Dangers of Mosquito Bites on Dogs – They Spread Illness

We never want our dogs to experience discomfort from a mosquito bite, but there is much more to worry about than an itchy bite. Mosquitoes can spread dangerous illness to our canine friends, both of which can be fatal if they are not treated appropriately.

The first mosquito-borne illness to worry about is heartworm disease. Mosquitoes can carry this tiny blood parasite and infect your pet with their bite, allowing the heartworm to enter your dog’s bloodstream and multiply. Heartworm disease can cause serious damage to a dog’s heart and lungs, and it can even be fatal when left untreated. Over 100,000 dogs are diagnosed with heartworm disease each year, proving just how common of a threat it is.

The second potential threat of mosquito bites in dogs is the West Nile Virus. While it is much more rare in dogs than it is people, it is still a real threat to be aware of. This virus can infect your pup through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it can eventually lead to encephalitis if it reaches the brain. If encephalitis develops, the condition can be fatal.

How To Protect Your Dog from Mosquitoes

It’s impossible for our dogs to avoid the outdoors completely, so it’s up to us to offer them the best mosquito protection possible. Adequate mosquito protection for dogs typically involves multiple parts, so let’s break down the steps you should take to protect your beloved dog from mosquitoes moving forward.

Heartworm prevention: While heartworm prevention does not repel mosquitoes, it is still essential in keeping your pet safe from fatal heartworm disease. Due to how prevalent heartworm disease is, heartworm prevention works by killing the baby heartworms that enter your dog’s bloodstream the month prior. By giving your dog their heartworm prevention each month, you will effectively treat any immature heartworms before they have a chance to mature and multiply within their body. This is why you must give their heartworm prevention on a consistent, monthly basis.

Mosquito repellent: There is not yet a safe mosquito repellent that can be applied to your dog’s skin, but you can cut down on mosquitos in your pet’s environment. You cannot apply products like DEET or essential oils to your dog’s skin, but you can use citronella candles and citronella grass in your yard. Using these tools regularly can help to cut down on the flying insects that make their way onto your property.

Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Standing water in any form can be a haven for flying insects like mosquitoes. This can be everything from sitting puddles to dirty pools, and they are essentially a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Limiting any standing water on your property can decrease the amount of mosquitoes your dog is exposed to.

How To Treat Itchy Mosquito Bites in Dogs

If your dog is struggling with an itchy mosquito bite, then you may be wondering how you can offer them relief. Some over the counter products for itchy skin in humans can be unsafe for dogs, so you will want to be aware of the safe at home tools for your dog’s itchy bite.

The first way to relieve your dog’s itchy mosquito bite is by applying something cold to the area. Holding a cool compress to the bite for a few minutes can relieve inflammation, which can ultimately soothe the skin.

If your dog cannot lick the bite, you can safely apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the itchy skin. Just be sure that it is indeed pure aloe vera, and that your dog is not able to lick it away.

The last option to soothe your pet’s irritated mosquito bite is with the use of Benadryl. Some pets are more sensitive to mosquito bites than others, so this can be a useful tool if your pet seems especially sensitive. Just be sure to call your veterinarian to get a safe dose for your dog.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, dogs can be bitten by mosquitoes just as often as humans can. While the itchy mosquito bite is irritating in itself, these flying insects can also infect a dog with dangerous illness. Heartworm disease is especially common in dogs, so it’s important to not only get your dog on heartworm prevention, but to also cut down on the amount of mosquitoes on your property.

We suggest reviewing our tips above on how to protect your dog from mosquitoes, and to speak with your vet about how to best protect your canine friend from mosquito-borne illness!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tara Lynn and Co/Shutterstock.com