Do Mosquitoes Bite 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⁾

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 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⁾

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. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!