Do mosquitoes bite dogs? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, it is. And if you don't prevent mosquito bites, your dog is at risk of heartworm disease. This is why it is so important to invest in mosquito repellents for dogs.
Mosquitoes don't just bite dogs
You're not the only one who might be considered a treat by mosquitoes during the summer months. Mosquitoes may well bite your dog.1 They are usually drawn to wider areas of your dog, such as the back or hind legs, but they can bite your pup anywhere. Dogs usually itch from mosquito bites for a few hours at most.
But itching isn't the worst thing about mosquitoes. Sometimes dogs can get heartworms from mosquito bites. A bite from an infected mosquito can introduce immature worms called microfilariae into your dog's bloodstream. After a couple of months, they take root in your dog's heart and begin to grow. If a mosquito bites an infected dog, it can pass the heartworms to other dogs, continuing the cycle of infection.
Mosquitoes can also cause other infections, such as West Nile virus or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Both species are rare in dogs, but it is possible to catch them.2 Dogs can also contract the Zika virus from mosquitoes, but this is not entirely clear as cases are very rare.3 All of these viruses can be serious if infected mosquitoes bite people, which is another reason to protect your home from the buzzing little predators.
Try mosquito repellent for dogs
Protecting your dog from mosquitoes is critical to protecting your puppy from heartworm. This is easy to do with mosquito repellents designed specifically for dogs. You can also purchase flea and tick repellents, which will further repel mosquitoes.
The Adams Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Puppies repels mosquitoes* for up to six months per collar. Each package comes with two collars, providing coverage for a full year. The one-size-fits-all collars are adjustable and waterproof. Designed with long-lasting technology, these collars are excellent for preventing adult fleas and ticks.
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Spot On for Dogs is a topical product that can be applied to your dog that both repels and kills mosquitoes. The product also kills adult fleas and ticks and prevents flea reinfestations for up to 30 days per treatment.
In addition to protecting your dog, you can also protect your yard. Avoid standing water where mosquitoes can breed, and don't take your dog outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you want to take your “mosquito protection” to the next level, you can further protect against pesky bugs with Adams Yard & Garden Spray. This spray not only kills mosquitoes, but also fleas, ticks and ants.
Unfortunately, mosquitoes are just as interested in your dog as they are in you. This is why it is important to have a good mosquito repellent as well as treat your yard. With a little preparation, you and your pup can enjoy as many outdoor adventures as you like without the worry of buzzing insects ruining your fun.
1. Mahaney, Patrick. "7 Common Insect Bites in Dogs and Cats." PetMD, April 24, 2015, https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/parasites/common-bug-bites-on-dogs-cats?view_all=1.
2. Mass government. "WNV and EEE in animals". Mass.gov, https://www.mass.gov/service-details/wnv-and-eee-in-animals.
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Veterinary Medicine. “Can my pet get the Zika virus?” VetMed.Illinois.Edu, September 29, 2016, https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/zika-virus-pets/#:~:text=Yes, some do, immune response to the virus.
*excluding California