With mosquito season in full swing, you might wonder if your four-legged friend is susceptible to mosquito bites. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Dogs can get mosquito bites as experts from Forterra Pest Control claims.
However, the difference between you and your dog getting mosquito bites is that they’re more unlikely to notice them. For whatever reason, many dogs don’t seem as bothered by the insects’ blood-sucking habits or raised welts left behind by these pests themselves!
In this blog post, we will discuss what mosquito bites look likes on dogs, the potential dangers they pose, and what you can do to prevent your dog from getting bitten in the first place.
What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like on Dogs?
Dog’s fur is not much of a deterrent to a mosquito looking for a blood meal. In fact, a mosquito will happily bite right through a dog’s fur to get to the skin beneath. A mosquito can choose more vulnerable parts like its stomach, ears, nose, mouth, or inner thighs to feast.
When a mosquito bites a dog, it’s not unusual to see a small, red bump left behind on the skin. In some cases, the bump may be slightly swollen and irritated. If your dog is particularly sensitive to mosquito bites, you may also notice them licking or scratching the affected area.
While mosquito bites are generally not a cause for concern, some rare cases can pose a serious threat to your dog’s health.
What Are the Potential Dangers of Mosquito Bites on Dogs?
In most cases, mosquito bites are nothing more than a nuisance. However, there is a small chance that they could lead to more serious health problems.
For example, mosquito bites can sometimes cause skin infections. If your dog constantly scratches at their mosquito bites, it could damage the skin and create an opening for bacteria to enter. This could lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
Mosquito bites can also sometimes cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Signs of an allergic reaction include excessive scratching, chewing, or licking at the bite site, hair loss, hot spots, and hives. If you notice any of these signs, you must take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
In rare cases, mosquito bites can transmit diseases from other animals to your dog. For example, mosquitoes can carry heartworm larvae, which they can then pass on to your dog when they bite them. Dogs can also contract West Nile Virus from mosquito bites. This severe illness may cause neurological problems, weakness, paralysis, and even death.
How to treat mosquito bites on dogs?
Fortunately, most mosquito bites will go away on their own and won’t require any treatment. However, if your dog is constantly scratching at their bites, you can use a pet-safe anti-itch spray to help soothe the irritation.
If your dog has a more severe reaction to mosquito bites, such as an infection or allergic reaction, you will need to take them to the vet for treatment.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Mosquito Bites?
The best way to protect your dog from mosquito bites is to keep them away from mosquitoes altogether.
Get rid of standing water.
Mosquito lay their eggs in water, so it’s important to eliminate any sources of standing water around your home. This includes everything from bird baths and kiddie pools to clogged gutters and old tires. It is important to keep your dog’s water bowl clean and filled with fresh water.
Fan the bugs away
Running a fan is a great way to keep mosquitoes away from your dog – and you! The circulating air will make it more difficult for mosquitoes to fly, and they’ll eventually give up and go elsewhere.
Use mosquito repellent
Several mosquito repellents on the market are safe to use on dogs. These repellents usually contain citronella, lemon eucalyptus oil, or rosemary oil, which are effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Mosquito plant
Planting mosquito plants around your home is another great way to keep these pests away. Mosquito plants produce a natural oil that repels mosquitoes, which is a great eco-friendly option. Keep this plant near areas where your dog spends a lot of time, such as their favorite sunning spot in the yard, cage, or home.
Professional pest control
If you’re struggling to keep mosquitoes away, you may need to call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify any problem areas and provide you with additional tips for keeping these pests at bay.
Conclusion:
Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects around, and they can also pose a serious threat to your dog’s health. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent mosquito bites on dogs. If your dog does get bitten, most bites will go away on their own. However, if your dog has a more severe reaction.
you will need to take them to the vet for treatment.
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