Many people and even some dog owners believe that mosquitoes cannot bite dogs. After all, they have massive fur which will protect them. If you believe this, then you may believe that your answer is correct. Do mosquitoes bite dogs or no? Sadly yes, mosquitoes can bite dogs and this is a huge issue or better said it can be a huge issue. Dog’s fur cannot protect dogs from these pests. Let’s investigate this matter even more.
Mosquitoes bite can cause 2 main issues
Yes, we know that a mosquito bite can cause many issues. But, in most cases, there are 2 you need to worry about. Do mosquitoes bite dogs all the time? Probably yes and this increases the risk of these two issues.
The first one is skin irritation. Your pet will scratch which can damage the skin even more and cause irritation and even bacterial infection. It can be painful and even a nightmare for some dogs. Keep in mind that some dogs are allergic to mosquito bites in which case they will develop hive and swelling.
Another big problem is heartworm disease. This happens when a mosquito transfers heartworms to the bloodstream of your dog. Once this happens, heartworms will affect the lungs and heart of your dog which is a huge problem. A good thing is that only a small number of mosquitoes carry them. A bad thing is that only one bite is needed to cause heartworm disease!
5 Ways To Protect Your Dog
There are countless ways you can use to protect your dog from mosquitoes. Below, we will explain 5 that work the best and have been used by millions all across the world. Try all of them and see which one is the most effective for your location.
Try to repel mosquitoes
The first thing you can do is to treat the entire yard with repellents that will, well repel mosquitoes from your yard. You can even use citronella candles which are very effective. Some methods are more appealing than the others and therefore better. Always check for stagnant water. A water bowl of your dog can be a huge mosquito treat and a reason why they will come to your yard.
Regular heartworm medications
There is no 100% method you can use to protect your dog. In general, 99% of mosquito bites are harmless. But, that 1% carries a huge risk of heartworms. Regular medications can protect your dog and we believe this is one of the most important methods you should use.
It is also one of the simplest preventives you can use and also a very effective one. If you live in an area where mosquitoes are common, always use these medications on a regular basis, as specified by your vet.
Don’t spend time outside when they are active
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk. Add stagnant water to your yard and you have an ideal environment for them. You can try to avoid spending time in the yard at dusk. Also, don’t forget to remove and eliminate stagnant water sources in your yard.
This is simple and straightforward. Yes, it does take some time and it can be expensive but it is worth it. Paired with a few other methods from this list, the protection is extreme and will make the life of your pet far more comfortable.
Use screens to secure your house
Screens are the best way to make sure your home is safe from these pests. You need to check these on a regular basis and replace them if needed. Always pay extra attention in summer when mosquitoes come in millions. It is worth noting that you can invest heavily into making your home a mosquito-free zone. This can cost you, but it will make your life and the life of your friend much better.
Use mosquito repellent for your dog
You need to talk to your vet and find a solution that is harmless to your pet. These are special repellents that will be safe and effective at the same time. These come in sprays and can be used on all dogs. However, they are completely different than the ones made for humans. Repellents for us have ingredients that are toxic or dangerous to dogs and therefore must be avoided at all costs.
You need to apply the safe ones to the dog’s fur and you are done. Some are more effective than others, so try to find the one that works best for your dog. There are also some products based on natural ingredients. These are definitely worth checking.
How to tell if your pet was bitten?
You probably won’t see mosquitoes biting your pet. That’s why you need to know how you can tell if a mosquito bit your dog. The first symptom you will probably notice will be scratching.
You need to inspect that area and you may see a little bump or even a small red area. This is the first symptom and the most obvious one. Try to discourage your dog from doing the obvious thing, scratching. Sadly, this is extremely difficult. You may also notice that your dog has redness around the bite mark. Skin irritation is probable and you may want to treat it.
If your dog is allergic, you will see swelling and in even more severe cases heavy breathing. This is the time when you need to take your pet to a vet. Although the risk of this is low, it may happen.
Conclusion
Do mosquitoes bite dogs the same as humans? Yes, they do and yes they can be a huge threat to most dogs. The worst of all possibilities is heartworm disease which can be deadly. You need to take precautions and make sure the risk of all this is as low as possible. You will also want to try all of the methods we have covered above in order to find the one that works best for you and your dog.
What is a bait dog? Learn more here.
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