We know that bed bugs like to bite humans, but what about our furry, four-legged friends? While dogs are not their primary target, bed bugs can and do bite them. Here’s what you need to know about bed bug bites on dogs and the signs to look out for.

Dog itching head

Do bed bugs bite dogs?

Why do bed bugs bite dogs? While bed bugs typically prefer to feed on humans, they are opportunistic feeders that can bite just about any animal, including dogs, cats, rodents, and birds. Dogs aren’t significant hosts for bed bugs, but their bedding can be a great hiding spot for these pests.

Can dogs and other pets carry bed bugs?

How can dogs carry bed bugs into your home? They can inadvertently transport these pests after visiting places with bed bugs, such as kennels, groomers, or even a neighbor’s house. However, bed bugs primarily rely on humans for transportation and spreading. If bed bugs do hitch a ride on your pet, they will quickly seek out a more suitable hiding spot once they rest.

Bed bug on white background

What do bed bug bites look like on a dog?

If you find bed bug bites on your dog, they may look like tiny red bumps and will likely be on their belly, ears, and limbs. The area around the bites may become inflamed, swollen, or irritated. Depending on the length of your pet’s hair, it can be difficult to spot bed bug bites on dogs. It's crucial to quickly address bed bugs on dogs to prevent further bites and health issues.

What bed bug signs should you look out for?

Bed bug bites itch, even for our canine friends. Watch for scratching, biting, licking, and general irritability. Aside from the bed bug bites on dogs, check for dark spots around your pet’s bedding. These marks can be from your dog’s dried blood from the bite or a darker spot, indicating bed bug feces.

Shed exoskeletons around your pet’s bedding can be another sign bed bugs are in your home. Shed skins look exactly like bed bugs, only translucent and empty. You might also be able to identify bed bugs crawling around your pet’s bedding. Adults are small, flat, and about the size of an apple seed. They are reddish-brown in color before taking a blood meal, and bright, blood red afterward.

Bed bug on cloth

How to get rid of bed bugs on dogs

Getting rid of bed bugs on dogs can take time, especially if they’ve spread to other areas of your home. Here are a few tips that can help remove and prevent these pests from returning:

  • Inspect and clean pet bedding: Before washing pet items, place them in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to kill bed bugs. Then, wash and dry the items as usual.
  • Regular grooming: Brush and bathe pets regularly.
  • Monitor for signs: Watch for continued bites or discomfort in pets, and inspect other areas around your home for bed bugs.
  • Home treatment: If you spot bed bugs in your home, contact a pest control professional to help stop the infestation before it worsens.

Before our technicians determine the best bed bug removal method, they will conduct a thorough inspection to locate where bed bugs are hiding and the severity of infestation. Our customized treatment plans help eliminate bed bugs at every life stage and help prevent them from returning. Schedule your bed bug inspection today!