{"id":4466,"date":"2024-07-20T08:49:40","date_gmt":"2024-07-20T08:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=4466"},"modified":"2025-11-01T12:19:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T12:19:42","slug":"the-dangers-of-mosquito-bites-on-dogs-what-diseases-can-dogs-get-from-mosquitoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/the-dangers-of-mosquito-bites-on-dogs-what-diseases-can-dogs-get-from-mosquitoes\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dangers of Mosquito Bites on Dogs: Heartworm and Other Diseases Dogs Can Get from Mosquitoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that season again! The smell of freshly drenched soil, lush green grass, blooming trees and the bountiful buzzing of mosquitoes! Mosquitoes are annoying beyond any description, and they don\u2019t just bite us. Mosquitoes also bite our pets, dogs and cats. If you have never thought about the effect of mosquito bites on dogs, let\u2019s think together right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mosquito bites on dogs can be as bening as a small bump or as serious as a potential threat to their heart health. Today, we will talk about why mosquitoes are a health risk to all dogs, what diseases mosquito bites on dogs can spread and how to prevent mosquito bites on people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why are mosquito bites on dogs a real risk in India?<\/span><\/h2>\n

India is <\/span>endemic to mosquito-borne illnesses<\/span><\/a> such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and the West Nile virus. Most of these diseases affect humans, but some affect our canine friends as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mosquitoes are found almost everywhere in India. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the coastal regions of Mumbai. From Delhi NCR to Bengaluru, mosquitoes have established their domain all over the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All they need is a little water and some humidity to breed and multiply. It is very difficult to control the mosquito population in any city or suburb in India due to the multitude of fallow lands, marshy areas and accumulated garbage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, mosquitoes have always been and, sadly, will remain a real risk in India even for your pets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the minor risks posed by mosquito bites on dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Itching and scratching<\/span><\/h2>\n

Just like we keep scratching mosquito bites on our forearms and legs, your dog will likely do the same after being bitten. It is more common for <\/span>short-haired breeds<\/span><\/a> to get bitten as compared to the long-haired breeds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mosquito bites on dogs can begin with small annoying bumps that are itchy. It can lead to excessive nibbling, and scratching followed by skin infections and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you see your dog nibbling or scratching a particular area obsessively look for tiny bumps that can be mosquito bites. Do not apply human medication or mosquito bite-relief solutions on your dog\u2019s skin. (We don\u2019t lick our skin after applying itch-relief creams and solutions, hopefully, but dogs do!) Apply a veterinary itch-relief spray to ease your dog\u2019s discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dermatitis from mosquito bites (allergic reaction)<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some people don\u2019t get tiny bumps but huge welts and hives from mosquito bites, and the same is true for dogs!<\/span><\/p>\n

You will know if your dog is having allergic reactions to mosquito bites (<\/span>allergic dermatitis<\/span><\/a>). They will develop angry red hives where the mosquito has bitten them, and they will keep licking and biting the spot relentlessly until it becomes infected!<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wait until it becomes infected. If you see signs of dermatitis from mosquito bites on your dog take them to see a veterinarian ASAP. You can prevent them from scratching the spot by engaging them in play and treats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hot spots from mosquito bites on dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hot spots can be annoying, painful and a lot of trouble for both the dog and the pet parent. These are visible, hairless areas or patches that look pretty raw on the dog\u2019s skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They arise from allergic reactions to mosquito bites followed by a lot of licking, chewing and scratching. Trust us! If your <\/span>dog develops a hot spot<\/span><\/a>, you won\u2019t be able to miss it even if they are a long-haired breed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hot spots are quite serious since they can seed fungal skin infections, bacterial infections and chronic hair loss in dogs. If you notice one, you should visit the veterinarian for a remedy. Avoid using human medication and disinfectants on your dog. Yes, that includes NOT USING Dettol or Savlon!<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the serious diseases spread via mosquito bites on dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Just like how mosquito bites can spread some deadly diseases in humans, they can also spread serious diseases in dogs. Here are some of the most common yet concerning diseases spread by mosquito bites on dogs –\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heartworm disease in dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mosquitoes can pick up the pre-larval stage heartworms from infected dogs while sucking their blood. When they bite a healthy dog, they transmit the early-stage heartworms into the healthy dog\u2019s skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The larvae migrate through the tissues, into the bloodstream of the healthy dog. The young adult heartworms enter the heart and pulmonary arteries within 70 days of the bite. The final maturation of the heartworm takes place in the arteries of the lungs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heartworms can live for as long as 5 to 7 years inside the dog\u2019s cardiovascular system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Initial signs of <\/span>heartworm infection in dogs<\/span><\/a> can be confusing for pet parents since they mostly include –<\/span><\/p>\n