There are lots of creepy crawlers, little fliers and other pests that can pester your pet. And while most of them are relatively harmless, there are some insects that can be dangerous for Fido. This is why it’s important to know which bugs bite dogs, which pests are in fact just annoying and which crawlers actually can cause harm. Plus, there’s plenty you can do as a pet parent to help repel insects and protect your pet.
Bugs That Bite Dogs
While this is not a comprehensive list of pests that can affect your pet, we’ve included some of the most common bugs that could bite your dog. It’s important to keep tabs on your pup when he’s outside so you know what kinds of insects he’s coming into contact with.
Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?
If you have ever been bitten by a mosquito, then you know how itchy and annoying these bites can be. But, do mosquitoes bite dogs, too? The answer is yes, those pesky little flyers can affect your dog.
For the most part, mosquito bites are harmless to your dog, albeit a little annoying. They can cause itching and redness for Fido, too, just like mosquito bites can on humans. But, that’s usually the extent of it! Your dog might scratch, itch and be a little annoyed, but he’ll be just fine.
In rare cases, mosquitoes can carry diseases and then infect your pet. While this likely isn’t something you need to worry about, it’s important to know that it is a possibility and you should try to avoid mosquito contact whenever possible.
Are Fly Bites On Dogs a Thing?
Flies are a nuisance to almost anyone, and that includes animals. Your pup is lucky because he has a built in fly swatter—his tail. But, that doesn’t mean he’ll always be able to avoid fly bites. If they land on his body in an area his swishy tail can’t quite reach, he could get bitten by a fly.
Fly bites are similar to mosquito bites because they can result in a red, itchy bump. They’re also pretty harmless and will more than likely be mildly irritating to your dog but otherwise harmless!
Do Flea Bites Mean Your Pet Has Been Infested?
Fleas are the bane of any pet parent’s existence. They’re super tough to get rid of and they can make your pup incredibly uncomfortable. It’s not always easy to spot fleas dogs, so you can be on the watch for flea bites, as well. They’re often clustered in areas and will appear red and slightly raised. If your dog has been bitten by fleas and has an infestation, he’ll likely be very, very itchy. If he seems to be scratching more than normal, it’s a good idea to check things out and take a look to see if you’re able to spot flea bites.
Fleas are blood-sucking parasites that can cause serious harm to your dog if they’re left unchecked. It’s important to recognize the signs so you can catch fleas early and help your pet get rid of them asap!
Ticks Bites Can Be Dangerous
If there’s one insect you want to avoid at all costs it’s the tick. While they seem small and harmless, they can wreak havoc on your dog’s health. Plus, they’re tough to get rid of once they make themselves at home. Ticks can carry Lyme's disease which is something that can affect your dog’s health for many years to come and play a role in his overall livelihood. Plus, the ticks that often carry the disease are so small they’re difficult, if not impossible, to spot.
Spiders Can Bite Dogs, Too
Are you afraid of spiders? While most of us humans steer clear of the creepy crawlers, dogs are curious and might not have the same fear instincts as a human. Spiders can bite your dog, but unless it's a poisonous spider, you don’t need to worry.
There’s also not much you can do to keep your dog away from spiders and to keep spiders away from dogs. Keep your clean home and keep an eye on Fido to avoid any potentially harmful 8-legged creatures.
Will Hornet, Wasp, and Bees Sting Your Dog
As mentioned, dogs are naturally curious and that can sometimes get them into trouble! If they go sniffing someplace that’s full of bees, wasps or hornets, they could get stung. All dogs react to bee stings differently, and some can have a severe reaction. If your dog is visibly swollen or is itching and a bee sting is to blame, get him into the Vet asap. Our pets can have an allergic reaction to bees, hornets and wasps, just like us humans can.
How To Help Your Itchy, Irritated Pet
If your dog has mosquito bites or was bitten by another creepy crawler that’s left him itchy and inflamed, you can help him at home! Draw your dog a soothing bath. Use cooling, calming ingredients in the tub to help your dog with his inflamed skin. And use an anti-itch shampoo. There are lots of products designed to help your itchy dog find relief and anti-itch shampoo is one of them! Look for ingredients like chlorhexidine or ketoconazole, both of which can help with the itching associated with bug bites.
How To Protect Your Pet Against Pests
The best way to help your dog avoid getting bitten by these pesky pests is to help him avoid them in the first place. Here are some things you can do to help your dog repel some of the pests we’ve discussed above, that can bite your pet.
- Clean up. Bugs, spiders and other pests can be hiding out in tiniest nooks and crannies around your house. A great way to help prevent bug bites from bugging your dog is to make sure your home and your yard are clean and free from debris that pests love to live in!
- Add supplemental support. If you want to help your pet, try a soothing supplement that contains calming agents like hemp, chamomile or melatonin. Anxious dogs often get into things they shouldn’t and go sniffing around for creatures they may not want to mess with. Adding a calming aid to your dog’s diet can help prevent him from nosing in on some bees or agitating a spider’s den.
- Use a flea and tick supplement. You’ve likely heard that flea and tick supplements are a must have for pet parents and that’s because they can be incredibly effective...if you choose one that contains the right ingredients. Look for a natural supplement that contains bug fighting ingredients like garlic, coconut oil and brewer’s yeast. These ingredients will help keep parasites, blood-sucking insects and other pests away from your dog.
Pet Honesty Products To Help Defend Your Dog from Pests
Help Fido fight bugs, insects and other pests that can make him uncomfortable or latch on and cause him harm with the help of Pet Honesty Flea & Tick Defense Chews. They’re formulated with a blend of ingredients that help keep those pesky insects away.
Sources:
https://blog.petwellbeing.com/5-insects-that-are-harmful-to-pets
