Can Dogs Get Sick From Mosquito Bites?

Published by February 22, 2023 Category: Mosquito Control

Can dogs get sick from mosquito bites like humans can? Let’s take a look at the facts about mosquito-borne diseases and what you can do to eliminate these pests with help from Nada Mosquito — a mosquito control company in New Jersey offering pest control services you can afford.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

When you take your dog out near standing water, you are likely to find a cloud of mosquitoes that are hungry. Now, you might think that the thick fur coat will prevent mosquito bites on dogs, but the tiny insects can easily access thin patches and bare areas. You can often find bites in the following areas:

  • Nose or snout
  • Ears
  • Belly

Unfortunately, hairless varieties of dogs are vulnerable to mosquito bites over their entire bodies.

What Illnesses Can Mosquitoes Transmit to Dogs?

Now that you know where to look for bites, let’s get back to the main question, “Can dogs get sick from mosquito bites?” The short answer is yes. Mosquitoes can carry life-threatening diseases that can include:

  • West Nile virus – causing seizures, mobility issues, and potential death
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus – causing rashes, lethargy, and tremors
  • Eastern equine encephalitis – causing lethargy, aggression, and diarrhea
  • Heartworm – causing heart and lung damage

If you notice symptoms of any of the above diseases in your dog, take them to a veterinary clinic for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. These life-threatening issues will require prompt medical treatment.

In most mosquito bite cases, your dog might only experience mild issues like itching and swelling after being bitten by a mosquito. If you worry about your dog scratching too frequently, ask your vet about applying a pet-friendly antihistamine or using a cone to discourage the behavior.

In some of these milder situations, your dog might have a slightly increased risk of developing a hot spot. The hot spot develops after your dog licks, nibbles, or repeatedly scratches the same spot for hours or days on end. Hot spots can lead to skin damage and infection that will need professional veterinary treatment.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites Around Your Home

You can use a combination of pet and child-safe mosquito repellants with the help of regularly scheduled treatments that will prevent these pests from harming you and your beloved family pet. Nada Mosquito in New Jersey offers affordable single and seasonal treatment services to help you eliminate these insects.

Save your pet from the dangers of deadly mosquitoes with the help of professional pest control technicians. Our technicians attend specialized classes to provide knowledgeable services and carry products that are safe for use around children and pets of all sizes.

We hope the answer to “Can dogs get sick from mosquito bites?” helps you understand the risks mosquitoes can present. Are you ready to kick these pests off of your property? Reach out to Nada Mosquito by calling or texting 732-743-7129 and learn more about controlling mosquitoes in your yard.