Can Dogs Get Bitten by Bed Bugs? How to Keep Your Pets Safe

Dogs are often considered members of the family, but did you know that your four-legged friends could be the reason that bed bugs have invaded your home? While bed bugs can and do bite dogs, they prefer to feed on human blood. However, they can easily spread throughout a home using pet bedding and furniture, which means that dogs can still be affected by the itchy bites that bed bugs leave behind.

In this article, we'll take a look at studies conducted by entomologists and veterinarians to learn more about the relationship between bed bugs and dogs. By learning more about the habits, biology, and signs of infestation of both bed bugs and dogs, you can better protect your home and pets from these pests. This information is important for avoiding costly infestations and ensuring that your furry friends are happy and healthy.

How to Find Bed Bugs in Pet Areas

Although bed bugs don’t live on pets, they can live in the areas where pets sleep and play. That’s why it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of an infestation in and around your pet’s bedding, toys, and other favorite spots.

PROOF Pest Control says to look for small bloodstains, fecal spotting, shed exoskeletons that look like clear bug shells, and the bugs themselves, which are small, flat, and reddish-brown. GoPetFriendly suggests using the flashlight on your phone to inspect dark areas and upholstered furniture where bed bugs are likely to hide.

It’s important to have a regular inspection routine. Thoroughly check your pet’s bedding, blankets, and any furniture they use, paying special attention to seams, corners, and cracks where bed bugs may be hiding. If you see any signs of bed bugs, you’ll want to act quickly to keep the infestation from getting worse. When you’re traveling with your pets, EnviroTech Pest Control recommends checking hotel rooms and keeping your luggage off the beds to avoid bringing bed bugs home.

How to Avoid Bed Bug Infestations if You Have Pets

Keeping a clean and well-vacuumed home is important to avoid bed bug infestations, especially if you have pets. EnviroTech Pest Control notes that washing pet bedding, toys, and other items in hot water on a regular basis will kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have accumulated. The ASPCA also suggests steam cleaning carpets, furniture, and other areas where pets spend time to get rid of bed bugs.

If you’re traveling with pets, make sure to check hotel rooms and other pet-friendly accommodations for bed bugs before you bring your pets inside. GoPetFriendly recommends checking the Bed Bug Registry website for recent reports to see if there have been any complaints. If you suspect that a location has a bed bug infestation, make sure to hire a professional exterminator who uses pet-safe treatments to get rid of the problem.

By making sure to keep a clean home and being aware of potential problems when you’re traveling, pet owners can avoid bed bug infestations and the discomfort and potential health issues they can cause their pets.

How to Treat Bed Bug Bites on Dogs

If your dog has been bitten by bed bugs, it's important to clean and treat the bites to prevent further irritation or secondary infections. According to PawSafe, some home remedies that can help include oatmeal baths, cold compresses, hydrocortisone creams, and baking soda pastes. These treatments can help with minor bites by soothing the skin and reducing itching.

You can also use over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl to help with swelling and itching, but BetterPet recommends talking to your vet about the right dosage. Make sure to keep a close eye on the bites and if they get worse, become infected, or if your dog has an allergic reaction, make sure to get them to the vet.

While bed bug bites aren't harmful, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance explains that if they're left untreated, they can cause your dog a lot of discomfort and lead to other problems. So make sure to keep an eye on the bites and treat them as soon as you notice them to make sure your dog stays healthy and happy.

Pet-Safe Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

If you have pets and need to get rid of bed bugs, you'll want to make sure that the treatment methods you choose are safe for your animals. PF Harris notes that natural insecticides such as diatomaceous earth and essential oils can be effective against bed bugs and are low-risk for pets. The article describes diatomaceous earth as a "fossilized form of freshwater algae" that can dehydrate and kill insects but is safe for pets and people. Meanwhile, Green Wave Pest Solutions suggests using essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil to repel and kill bed bugs.

In addition to these natural options, Your Pet and You recommends steam cleaning and regular vacuuming to get rid of bed bugs without using chemicals. The article suggests vacuuming all potential bed bug hiding spots, including baseboards, furniture, and carpeting, thoroughly. In some cases, foaming sprays and water-based insecticides that are safe to use around pets may also be good options.

That said, if you're dealing with a serious or long-term bed bug infestation, Green Wave Pest Solutions advises working with a professional pest control company that uses pet-safe treatments. This will help ensure that your home and pets are safe throughout the extermination process.

Conclusion: How to Keep Your Pets Safe From Bed Bugs

While bed bugs primarily feed on human blood, they can also bite dogs and other pets, causing discomfort and potential skin irritations. According to the California Department of Public Health, bed bugs will feed on dogs and cats as well, though they prefer humans.

While bed bugs are not known to carry diseases, some people or animals may experience red welts or itchy lesions, which can be mistaken for flea or mosquito bites. As the professionals at Corky's Pest Control pointed out, birds and reptiles can have different reactions to environmental pesticides, so it's important to make sure that any treatment is safe for your specific pets.

Like fleas, bed bugs can quickly become an infestation in your home, as MetLife Pet Insurance notes. While bed bug bites on dogs may not be visible, they can cause itchiness. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends looking for signs like spots of blood on sheets or dog beds, and tiny black droppings, rather than the bugs themselves.

If an infestation is suspected, choose pet-friendly treatment methods and consult professionals if necessary to ensure the safety of your furry companions. By being proactive and informed, pet owners can effectively protect their homes and beloved pets from the nuisance of bed bugs.