Do Bed Bugs Bite Dogs?
While pests are often found in unclean environments, these pests can be found in the nicest of homes and even on pets.
Bed bugs are becoming a growing concern across the country. While pests are often found in unclean environments, these pests can be found in the nicest of homes and even on pets. Dogs are not safe from bed bugs, but how big of a threat are they to man’s best friend?
Read on to learn more about confronting bed bugs and recognizing the signs of bites in dogs.
How bed bugs thrive
Bed bugs don’t live on pets or people. Instead, they live in specific environments where food—blood—is available.
It’s not always easy to spot these resourceful critters. Homeowners may notice itchy bites on their skin, but they can easily resemble other bug bites. An unmistakable sign of an infestation is blood on the sheets.
At this point, homeowners living with dogs may be worried that the bugs will target their furry friends.
Bed bugs and dogs
The silver lining with bed bugs is that they don’t spend their time on pets as other pests like ticks, fleas, mites, or lice do. However, they still bite. The issue with bed bugs is that they are rarely seen on dogs. Homeowners only become aware of bed bug infestation when signs appear on the pet’s skin or around the house.
Bed bugs have extraordinary migratory abilities. They can quickly climb furniture, bedding, or clothing. They can undoubtedly target a dog’s fur or bedding if they can climb these surfaces.
Recognizing bed bug bites on a dog
Bed bug bites on dogs may resemble small red bumps. Most often, the bugs bite animals around their limbs and belly. A bed bug bite can be more problematic to spot on dogs, especially those with longer coats, and the hidden bites often lead to skin irritation or rashes.
Common signs that bed bugs have bitten a dog include licking, biting, or scratching the infected area. The pet may also be more irritable than usual.
Homeowners who suspect a bed bug infestation should check around the dog’s bedding. Dark marks may be dried blood from the dog or bed bug feces. It’s also common to find exoskeletons around the bedding. The shed skin looks just like a bug but is empty and translucent.
The sooner the signs of bed bugs are recognized, the less danger there is for the dog.
Suspect a bed bug infestation? Contact pest management services
Homeowners who suspect a bed bug infestation in their home or around pets should contact pest management providers for an inspection. It’s not always easy to spot an infestation, and eradicating it can be challenging. Luckily, expert pest technicians have the tools to recognize and exterminate stubborn pests from any property.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.
