Dog Tips

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

Key Points
  • Mosquitoes do bite dogs
  • Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm, a potentially fatal disease for dogs
  • Prevent mosquito exposure by removing stagnant water, using pet-friendly repellents, maintaining clean gutters, and getting regular heartworm preventives
  • Never use human mosquito repellents like DEET on dogs

Bzzzzzz bzzzzzz bzzzzzz… 

That’s the sound of the vampires of the insect world. The ones that can turn a peaceful summer evening into an itchy nightmare. And while you have the option of swatting them away, your dog may not have the same flexibility. But sometimes, we look at our dogs, and there are tens of mosquitoes sitting on their backs, and they are not even bothered by them.   

And that’s when you, just like us, would have wondered if mosquitoes even bite dogs or if their coats are just like Central Park for them. 

The answer is yes, mosquitoes do bite dogs. They can bite them at any time of the day or year. Most bites, however, happen at the time of dusk. The wider parts of their bodies, like the back and back legs, are more attractive to mosquitoes. They will bite your pup wherever possible, though. And the bite will leave an itchy red bump behind making your dog itch for hours. (1)

That’s not the worst part, though. These vampires can be the messengers of doom, spreading diseases like heartworm, a potentially life-threatening illness for dogs. If an infected mosquito bites a dog, immature worms called microfilaria can be released into the dog’s bloodstream. These worms settle inside the dog’s heart and in a couple of months, start growing. This can be fatal for dogs. (1)

Mosquitoes can then start a cycle where if one of them bites an infected dog, it can pass the heartworm disease to the next dog that it bites. And it takes only one mosquito to transmit this disease. 

Apart from heartworm disease, mosquitoes can also spread other infections like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus to dogs. Although very rare, if infected, it can be pretty serious for the dog. 

The following are the signs you need to look for if a mosquito has bitten your dog – (2)

  • Excessive scratching, licking or biting at the affected site

  • Rubbing their ears or nose against a rough surface

  • Red bumps or welts on the skin, just like mosquito bites on humans

How Do I Protect My Dog from Mosquitoes?

You may not be able to mosquito-proof your dog 100% but it is important to take all precautions possible. Here are some recommendations from our side – (2)

  • Do not allow stagnant sources of water like water fountains and water bowls to stay idol for long, as these are the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

  • Add screens to all windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

  • Use a pet-friendly mosquito repellent in your yard

  • Mow tall grass regularly as mosquitoes could be hiding there

  • Keep your rain gutters clean, dry, and unclogged.

  • Replace your porch or other outdoor lights with mosquito-repelling bug lights. 

  • Take your dog to the vet for regular heartworm preventives. 

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs with Fur?

You might think your dog's fur would act like a natural bug shield, but mosquitoes are determined little creatures. They have been perfecting their blood-sucking skills for millions of years, and they’re not about to let a little fluff get in their way. 

Do Mosquitoes Prefer Human or Dog Blood?

Some research shows that mosquitoes prefer human odors over animals’. The major factors that affect human odor are diet, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, skin microbiota and infection. We yet don’t know how mosquitoes make the distinction clearly though. (3)

Can You Spray Off on Dogs for Mosquitoes?

Never use any kind of human mosquito repellent products on your dog. They contain chemicals like DEET and Picaridin which can be very toxic to dogs. Dogs tend to lick their skin, and this can cause them to ingest these chemicals. The result here can be severe including death in some cases. 

You should always use products that are specifically made for dogs. You can also use natural remedies like – (4)

  • Lemon Eucalyptus Oil 

  • Neem Oil

  • Fennel Oil

The amount of quantity that is safe to apply to your pet also depends on the weight of your pet. Do check with your vet before applying, though. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

There are many problems that will arise while taking care of your pet. You may be able to fend off some, while others may happen, irrespective of the efforts you make. It is at those times when pet health insurance can help. When the bills start showing up for the treatment, you won’t have to worry about them because the insurance will help save up to 90% on them. 

Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:

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  • Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.

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Sources

  1. Dwilson, S. D. (n.d.). Do mosquitoes bite dogs? | AdamsTM. https://www.adamspetcare.com/expert-care-tips/flea-and-tick-pest-education/do-mosquitoes-bite-dogs

  2. Heartgard. (2023, February 2). Mosquitoes and dogs: How to keep your pet safe. HEARTGARD®. https://heartgard.com/mosquitoes-and-dogs-how-keep-your-pet-safe

  3. Khan, T., PhD, & Tran, L., PhD. (2024, February 27). What are mosquitoes attracted to? The Scientist Magazine®. https://www.the-scientist.com/why-do-mosquitoes-bite-some-people-more-than-others-71475

  4. Pet-friendly mosquito repellents (that humans can use too). (n.d.). Animal Humane Society. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/pet-friendly-mosquito-repellents-humans-can-use-too


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