Do Dogs Get Bug Bites

Bed bugs on dogs: Dalmatian dog lying on bed

(Epitome credit: Getty Images)

While fleas and ticks tend to steal the bulk of the limelight, bed bugs on dogs can exist only as problematic. In fact, these blood-sucking parasites take the potential to pose even more of an consequence to your dog'southward health considering they're harder to spot and eradicate.

Bed bugs are crafty creatures that are adept at getting into your dwelling house past hitching a ride on your clothing and belongings. Once they're in, they tin multiply apace and crusade an infestation that can be challenging to deal with. Just information technology'southward non all bad news.

It'southward true that bed bugs volition seize with teeth dogs and this can cause them the same discomfort that flea bites tin can, but thankfully, unlike fleas, bed bugs don't carry diseases, and so yous can breathe a sigh of relief knowing your canis familiaris isn't going to be picking upwards anything nasty if they practice get bitten.

In this slice, you'll find everything you need to know about bed bugs, how they get into your domicile, the potential risks to your canis familiaris and how to eradicate an infestation. So, put down what you're eating (trust us, you don't desire to be consuming food when you read this!) and let'southward do a deep swoop into everything you need to know about bed bugs on dogs.

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What are bed bugs?

Known scientifically as Cimex lectularius 50., bed bugs are parasites that feast on blood every bit their only source of diet. We know, they sound delightful don't they?! These pocket-sized creatures are v-vii mm long (virtually the same length as a grain of rice) and are a brownish-blood-red color with six legs, a flat body shape and no wings.

As you've probably guessed past their name, bed bugs love to hang out wherever humans and animals slumber and because of their flat shape, they're able to hands hide in bed frames, bedding, and mattresses. Bed bugs are nocturnal, pregnant they're agile at night, so this is when they'll attach themselves to a host (either yous or your pet!) and get-go feeding.

How do bed bugs get into your home?

If you thought y'all were good at sticking your thumb out and hitching a ride, we promise you you've got nothing on these guys who take hitchhiking to a whole nother level! Hardy fiddling travelers, the inconspicuous bed problems is a main at latching onto unsuspecting victims, whether it be on their clothes, in their luggage, or in the instance of your pet, cached in their fur.

Once they've hitched a ride into your habitation, a female bed bug will begin to lay eggs, anywhere betwixt 2-5 a day, which doesn't sound like a lot, just given how hard these guys are to spot, it tin can speedily atomic number 82 to an infestation once all those eggs hatch and start laying their own.

Unfortunately for those of usa trying to eradicate them, bed bugs can survive in temperatures from freezing all the manner upward to 122°F and tin happily thrive for several months without eating, making them very catchy to go rid of.

Will bed bugs bite dogs?

Bed bugs on dogs: dog lying upside down on couch — (Prototype credit: Getty Images)

We accept good news and bad news when it comes to bed bugs and dogs, so let's kickoff with the bad news and get it out of the way. Yep, every bit well as biting and feeding on people, bed bugs volition chow down on your canine companion as well, although they exercise adopt human blood if they can get it.

Simply the expert news? While bed problems bites may cause cherry-red welts or itchy lesions, which aren't the near comfortable things, they're not known to transmit illness, then while they can certainly cause your domestic dog some distress, their seize with teeth itself won't lead to illness. That being said, secondary peel infections are sometimes an consequence if the itchiness of the bites leads to excessive scratching.

What are the signs of a bed issues infestation?

The problem with bed bug bites is that many pet parents mistake them for flea bites and end upwardly using one of the best flea treatments for dogs expecting that to put a cease to the biting. These treatments are ineffective on bed bugs, so it's important to look for the tell tale signs that what you lot're dealing with are bed bugs and non fleas.

First upward, like all insects, bed bugs must shed their exoskeltons in guild to grow, then be on the lookout for these which are translucent in color. Rusty or black spots on your bedding, mattress, or pet, are signs of droppings and you lot may besides spot reddish claret stains. You lot may not notice any bites on your pet, but sometimes bed bugs get out backside red welts and these will often exist in a line.

Because they hide during the day and feast at dark, bed bugs tin be tricky to run across , but be on the watch for rusty or brilliant ruby colored bugs - their color depends on how long its been since they've fed. Check your bed frame, box springs, curtain rods, skirting boards, and any other pocket-sized spaces that might make for a adept hiding place.

How do you become rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs on dogs: woman loading washing into washing machine — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Dissimilar fleas, which are more probable to hide in manifestly sight on your canis familiaris, bed bugs get into all sorts of hard-to-reach places that can make them difficult to eradicate. The first matter you need to practice is to figure out where the bed bugs are located. While seventy% of infestations will be found in and effectually the beds in your abode, you may also observe bed bugs in your other living spaces.

Hot h2o and the dryer is your best friend when it comes to getting rid of these pesky creatures, so you lot'll want to wash all of your bedding in hot water and treat the frame with a chemical treatment to kill any eggs as well as vacuuming information technology thoroughly.

If you've invested in ane of the best domestic dog beds for your pooch, you'll either need to nix the comprehend off and launder it in hot water earlier throwing it in the dryer for 30 minutes, or, if the bed itself is fully machine washable, put the whole bed through the washing and drying process. The estrus volition impale both the adults and the eggs - it'south worth doing your dog's soft toys while you're at it as well.

While nosotros know it'south an expense, if yous suspect you lot accept bed bugs, nosotros'd recommend calling in a professional who can place the problem and advise y'all on the best form of action as you may require additional help above and beyond the measures listed above to rid your home of these pesky parasites.

What to practise if your canis familiaris has bed bugs

While it'south natural to want to reach for a flea and tick handling, retrieve that these volition have no effect on whatsoever bed bugs hitching a ride in your canis familiaris'due south fur. The best thing you can practise if you discover bed bugs on your dog is to launder all their holding in hot h2o and treat the remainder of your home.

If your dog is itching enough that they're scratching furiously and irritating or breaking their skin, then yous'll want to accept them to run across your vet who tin can prescribe something to make them feel more comfy. It's really important that you do this sooner rather than later on to prevent an infection from setting in.

Many of the best canis familiaris shampoos come in very gentle and soothing formulas, then giving your pup a bathroom using a shampoo that contains ingredients like oatmeal and kokosnoot oil can assist bring some relief. Sprays and antihistamines may also be useful in easing the level of discomfort your dog is feeling.

Kathryn is a freelance writer who has spent the by two years dividing her writing time between her two great loves - pets and health and wellness. When she'south not decorated crafting the perfect sentence for her features, buying guides and news pieces, she can be found hanging out with ane very mischievous Cocker Spaniel, drinking copious amounts of Jasmine tea and attempting to set up numerous world records for the longest ever FaceTime calls with her family dorsum home in NZ.