Texas has a high mosquito population, especially in our state’s warm, humid regions. While these pests are a long-time nuisance for humans, you may also wonder if your dog has to deal with them. Do mosquitoes bite dogs, or are our pets protected by their fur?
The short answer is that yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Fur helps, but it’s not always enough to keep your pet from getting bitten. Here’s a closer look at why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to help prevent them from pestering your pets.
Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?
You may be surprised to learn that mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans and other mammals.
For more information about why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to protect your pet, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.
“Just like with humans and other animals, mosquitoes are attracted by body heat and the carbon dioxide created during respiration.”
Brown adds that fur offers only limited protection.
“Dogs can be more difficult for mosquitoes to bite due to their hair, so mosquitoes will focus on areas with less hair, like the belly and around the eyes.”
Indoor dogs tend to be outdoors during peak mosquito activity, such as early morning and dusk. Combined with their body heat, this can make them more appealing to mosquitoes than a person.
How Mosquitoes Bite Through Fur
Thicker coats protect your dog to an extent. It’s not full coverage protection, though, and it’s not afforded to every breed. Most mosquitoes won’t bother going through the coat to reach the skin. Instead, they’ll go for vulnerable areas like these:
- Nose and bridge of the muzzle
- Belly and groin area
- Ears, inside and out
- Inner legs
- Around the eyes
Just as mosquitoes can find a way in or around your clothes to get to your skin, they can do the same with dogs and their fur.
Why Mosquito Prevention Matters for Dogs
Mosquito bites aren’t fun for humans. Getting a mosquito bite on your foot or hand can be a nuisance. However, for dogs, a bite has the potential to cause serious health problems.
Pain and Irritation
A mosquito bite can cause itchiness, swelling and redness at the site for both humans and dogs. A person might know better not to scratch these bites, but dogs can scratch and lick their way to a skin infection.
The Big Risk: Heartworm Disease
Perhaps the most important reason to protect your dog from mosquito bites is the risk of heartworm disease. Heartworms are only transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Heartworm larvae can enter the bloodstream through a bite and develop into adults over the course of six to seven months. Texas pets are at increased risk of heartworm disease due to the year-round warm climate. Frequent standing water after storms can further increase mosquito breeding.
Other Possible Health Issues
Some dogs are allergic to mosquito bites. This means they could have even more severe symptoms, like swelling or hives. Contact your vet if you notice allergy-like symptoms in your dog after a bug bite.
How to Protect Your Dog From Mosquitoes
Protecting your dog requires a multi-layered approach.
According to Alan Brown,
“There are topical and oral medications that can help protect your dog. Some stay on the skin’s surface, others are absorbed in the bloodstream to help repel mosquitoes when they try to feed on your dog.”
In addition to using veterinary-approved preventatives, Brown recommends addressing mosquito activity around your home.
“Reducing breeding and resting sites on your property, along with professional mosquito services, will help reduce mosquito populations on your property.”
Typical options include the following:
- Veterinary-approved preventatives
- Mosquito repellents for dogs
- Yard and home prevention
- Timing and outdoor habits
Here’s what you need to know about these options.
Veterinary-Approved Preventatives
Heartworm prevention is non-negotiable in Texas. These prescription-only chewable or topical medications won’t prevent bites, but they do control the larvae before they mature inside your dog.
Mosquito Repellents for Dogs
Newer veterinary products now include mosquito repellents in their flea and tick solutions. These deter mosquitoes from landing. You can ask your vet about these repellents as an extra layer of protection.
Remember to never use DEET or any other human insect repellent on your dog. Only use products that your vet specifically approves for your pet.
Yard and Home Prevention
Mosquitoes need water to reproduce. The most effective way to deter them is to prevent them from breeding in your yard. They don’t need much water to lay eggs, so assume that even the smallest amount of standing water is a ripe breeding ground for these pests.
If you have a pond or bird bath, consider learning how to stop mosquitoes from breeding in water features with “mosquito dunks.” Keep your grass trimmed short, and prune bushes or plants where mosquitoes might hide during the day.
Airflow is an underutilized tool for managing mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are surprisingly weak fliers. This means disrupting their flight with strong outdoor fans can be a helpful way to manage populations around your patio.
Timing and Outdoor Habits
It’s easier said than done, but if you can limit having your dog outdoors during peak hours at dusk and dawn, it’ll help lower the chances of bites. It can also be helpful to keep them inside after it rains.
What to Do if a Mosquito Bites Your Dog
Even when you take precautions, a mosquito can still bite your dog. If you see a mosquito land on your pet or notice a bite later, here’s what you should do:
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Part the fur to check for signs of redness, swelling or raised welts
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Clean the bite with gentle soap and water
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Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the area
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Try vet-approved anti-itch solutions
Prevent scratching with a cone or a T-shirt
If you notice swelling in the face or muzzle, contact your vet. You should also consult a vet if your dog isn’t on heartworm prevention and has a bite, or if your dog shows signs of vomiting, hives or difficulty breathing.
Why Mosquito Season Feels Year-Round in Texas
Due to our warm temperatures nearly all year, every season can feel like mosquito season in Texas. Other parts of the country experience hard freezes that stave off bugs until warmer weather comes back.
Texas often doesn’t have that luxury. Many parts of the state don’t get cold enough to send mosquitoes into diapause. Diapause is like hibernation for insects, where their metabolism slows down and development stops while they wait for warmer weather. This can make mosquito season in our state one of the longest in the country.
How long can mosquitoes live without food or in the cold? Their metabolism does slow down in colder weather, but adult mosquitoes wait it out for warmer weather. They re-emerge when temperatures return to 50 degrees or above. Their genetics make them well-equipped to survive for a short time without feeding. That’s usually all they need before they come back in full force.
Aside from year-round warm or mild weather, there are two other reasons Texas is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Humidity is a major contributor. The higher water content in the air is preferable for most pests, but especially mosquitoes, because they lay their eggs in water.
This is also why post-storm flooding is problematic for mosquito populations. It creates pockets of standing water where mosquitoes can multiply rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mosquitoes Biting Dogs
Do mosquito bites hurt dogs?
Should indoor dogs still be on heartworm prevention?
Are citronella, essential oils or natural remedies effective?
Protect Your Pets With Pest Control Solutions
Do mosquitoes bite dogs? Yes, and mosquito populations can be quite high in the Lone Star State. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help keep your dog protected.
By taking precautions, using veterinary-approved medications and working with pest control professionals, you can reduce mosquito activity on your property.
If you’re struggling with mosquitoes in Texas, a professional pest control company can help. Contact the experienced team at ABC Home & Commercial Services today to learn more about our comprehensive mosquito treatment options.
