Protecting Our Furry Friends: Can Mosquitoes Bite Dogs
Before you step outside during a warm mosquito season, you may take steps to protect yourself and your family from getting bug bites. Do you do the same for your pets? Mosquito bites can bother your dog just as much as they do you, but your go-to mosquito repellents may not be a safe option for your furry friends. What can you do to prevent bug bites on dogs? MosquitoNix® breaks down the dangers of mosquito bites for dogs and what you can do to protect them.
Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?
You bet they do! Remember, adult female mosquitoes survive on blood and don't discriminate against canines in their search for food. If flying insects look for warmth and carbon dioxide to determine where to strike, pets face the same risk as people. The other challenge is that most mosquito repellents can be toxic to animals, so you can't rely on typical chemical- or essential oil-based products to prevent bites.
What Are the Risks of Mosquito Bites for Dogs?
When you get a mosquito bite, you may have an itchy, red welt on your skin. Sometimes, your skin gets red, inflamed and irritated, and the more you scratch, the better your risk of infection. The same is true for dogs; don't assume that excess scratching or biting at fur is due to fleas. Some dogs, like some people, may even be allergic to mosquito bites, having a more pronounced localized skin reaction or a more significant health scare like trouble breathing that may require immediate medical attention.
Below the skin's surface, the danger of mosquito bites on dogs is even worse than you may realize. Dogs can also get blood-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis or heartworms. Without medical treatment, these conditions could be life-threatening for your pup, so it makes sense that mosquito control for dogs is a top priority for pet owners.
How Can Your Prevent Mosquito Bites for Dogs?
Before you treat your yard or use mosquito repellent on your pet, consult your veterinarian for the best advice for preventing mosquito bites. They may advise regular heartworm treatment in case of infection. Also, shop carefully for pet-friendly mosquito repellents. While some essential oils can present a danger, products containing cedar oil, lemongrass or citronella oils can be effective. Pet formulas may be more diluted to keep them safe for dogs.
Here are other steps you can take to minimize mosquito bites on dogs:
- Get rid of standing water on your property.
- Avoid going outside during active mosquito times like dawn and dusk.
- Check weatherstripping and screens around doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from coming inside the house.
- Treat your yard with eco-friendly and pet-friendly mosquito products to keep your outdoor areas safe.
Did you know that MosquitoNix has all-natural mosquito control services that are non-toxic for children and pets? Our green services interrupt the mosquito life cycle without the use of harsh chemicals, making them a great option for dog-friendly spaces. Contact us online or reach out to your local office to learn more about mosquito bite prevention for dogs and people.
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