As now you know the answer of can dog gets mosquito bites or not, so now you need to notice the signs of bites. Some dogs gave no reaction, but some got itchy and developed rashes on their bodies.
You need to avoid mosquitoes from your place. You have to get rid of standing water, avoid being outside with your dog when the mosquito is more active, and most importantly, do regular checks of your dogs!
Can Dogs Get Mosquito Bites?
Can dogs get mosquito bites is one for the books. We all know what nuisance mosquitoes can be and as humans largely fall prey to mosquito bites, your pets are no exception. The major difference between mosquito bites in humans and dogs is that you are more likely to notice the bites in humans. Apart from mosquito bites in your dog causing discomfort, they are likely to also cause irritation and/or transmit deadly diseases too.
Symptoms Of Mosquito Bites In Dogs
Here are a few symptoms of mosquito bites in dogs:
- Rubbing ears, nose, or body against a rough surface every now and then
- Constantly scratching themselves
- The appearance of red welts, similar to those in humans
Other symptoms
Mosquito-borne parasites could also infect your pet with other illnesses, resulting in some of the below-mentioned symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Depression
- Intolerance to exercise
- Weight loss
Types of Diseases Mosquitoes Carry
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), here is a list of diseases that are carried by mosquitoes:
- Chikungunya.
- Dengue and severe dengue.
- Yellow fever.
- Zika virus.
- Malaria.
- Japanese encephalitis.
- Lymphatic filariasis.
- Leishmaniasis.
How To Prevent Mosquito Bites In Dogs
Eliminating mosquitoes can never be a permanent solution as it is impossible to get rid of them due to their breeding nature and accommodating climatic conditions and temperatures in tropical areas. You can however find out what causes mosquitoes to breed and hence take precautionary measures to curb the breeding process. The below-mentioned factors can be considered:
- Stagnant water laying around the house – This is a common sight during the monsoons. Always make sure that any vessels in the backyard that can hold water are turned upside down and also make sure you change the water in your dog’s bowl or trough regularly.
- Septic tank seepage – Water seepage from septic tanks is a booming ground for mosquitoes to breed. You need to make sure that the septic tank is fully covered and that any leakage or seepage is rectified with the help of a plumber at the earliest.
- Pool or ponds – Untreated pools and ornamental ponds can also attract mosquitoes in large numbers as their breeding space is larger and not disturbed on a regular basis. To avoid this you could run a pool pump every few hours to create water circulation. You can also chlorinate your swimming pool or pond and maintain disinfection levels to help kill mosquito larvae.
- Dressing your dog – You can also dress your pet in a doggie jacket or shirt to avoid mosquitoes from accessing their skin. You can do this otherwise too. It’s fun and also gives your dog a personality.
- Lemon juice – Spray some freshly squeezed lemon juice on the fur of your dog before taking him for a walk. The strong smell acts as a natural repellent against mosquitoes. Be careful you do not use essential oils as some oils are harmful to your dog’s skin. Environmental repellents such as sandalwood or citronella candles can also be considered if you cannot find a spray that is safe for pets
- Medication – If you find that your dog’s symptoms are not getting better and you notice extreme discomfort, you should visit a vet as mosquito-borne heartworm infections can be also easily transmitted through bites and are dangerous. Heartworm is a parasite that is known to cause life-threatening heart and lung infections. Early diagnosis can help in treating the illness effectively. Vets also recommend applying over-the-counter antihistamine ointments to relieve the itching and comfort your pet.
Closing Thoughts
In most cases, mosquito bites heal on their own and do not necessarily require treatment. But if your dog is continuously exposed to mosquito bites, it may be at a higher risk of mosquito-borne infections. It is most suitable to practice keeping your home and yard free from mosquitoes, especially during summer and monsoons.
Regular testing of your pets and scheduled visits to a vet are recommended in not only detecting mosquito-related illnesses in the earlier stages but also promoting the overall health and well-being of your dog. When you know your dog so well, any sudden change in routines or odd behavior pops up immediately. Having sufficient knowledge of mosquito bites in dogs can help identify & resolve the issue before it reaches a treatment stage which is time-consuming and may not provide your dog the perfect comfort.
You can also check –
- What Are Bed Bug Bites?
- Are Bed Bugs dangerous?
- Are Bed Bugs contagious?
- How are Bed Bugs spread?
- Mosquitoes bite Relief Liquids
- Mosquitoes bite Relief Spray
