Any type of hydrocortisone solution is the best thing to put on a dog for mosquito bites. This will provide instant relief for the itch, which will prevent your dog from scratching the mosquito bite all day. If your dog has a reaction to the bite, you can also give them Benadryl.
The Spring and Summer seasons usually mean that you get to enjoy some excellent weather and take your four-legged friend to explore the great outdoors. Unfortunately, you may run into some “bumps in the road” that can put an end to that dream.
When we go outside during those warm summer nights, we usually put mosquito repellent on ourselves. But what about Fido? Yes, mosquitos bite dogs as well. If your dog is experiencing the discomfort of a mosquito bite, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything you can put on the bite to relieve the discomfort. Luckily, there is! And that’s what today’s guide is all about.
What You'll Learn
How Dangerous are Mosquito Bites for My Dog?
Like their human counterparts, dogs can be susceptible to mosquito bites and the diseases that come with them.
Allergic Reaction
Just about all dogs will get an itchy bump when they’re bitten by a mosquito (just like humans), but some dogs can be severely allergic to mosquitoes. If you notice your dog has become lethargic, is breaking out in hives, refuses to heat, and has trouble breathing, bring them into the vet immediately. They could be having a severe reaction to a mosquito bite.
West Nile
Although this isn’t as much of a risk as it once was, dogs can still get infected with the West Nile Virus. A healthy dog should handle West Nile fine, but puppies and senior dogs may need medical attention.
Heartworm
The most dangerous disease for your four-legged friend is heartworm. If a dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworm, it will be transferred to your dog and into their bloodstream.
From there, they will find their way to your dog’s heart. This is where they will grow and reproduce. If this is left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues and become fatal.
That’s why you want to prevent mosquito bites when possible. But if your dog happens to get bit, what should you do?
Identify and Wash The Mosquito Bite
First things first, look for the signs.
One of the early signs that your dog may have been bitten by a mosquito is excessive scratching on one or several spots of their body.
When looking at these spots, you may notice some redness and inflammation. If the mosquito bite is relatively new, we suggest cleaning the spot(s).
You can gently clean these spots with warm water and unscented/mild soap or dog shampoo.
What To Put On Your Dog To Treat The Mosquito Bite
You have several options when it comes to mosquito bite treatment. You want the cream to do two things.
- Provide relief
- Reduce the swelling
Below are a few treatment options that can help with both.
Hydrocortisone Cream/Lotion/Spray
Hydrocortisone solutions are readily available at your local pet store. You will usually find this in your first aid or shampoo section of the store.
These creams will provide your four-legged friend with instant (but temporary) relief from their mosquito bite.
The solution is very safe for your pup. They come in different forms, such as a cream, lotion, or spray.
Just choose whichever is available, or the one you believe will be easiest to apply.
Anti-bacterial Cream for Dogs
Anti-bacterial creams that are made for your dogs can provide fast relief.
An ointment like Sulfodene is a great “go-to” first aid solution for your insect bites, including mosquitoes.
By using an anti-bacterial cream, you’ll reduce the chances of infection, relieve discomfort, and create a protective barrier from any foreign microorganism and dirt.
Make sure you apply this product after washing and cleaning the mosquito bite(s).
Benadryl
If you have done the basic treatments for your dog’s mosquito bites and your pup is still experiencing swelling and redness, a solution may be to give your dog some Benadryl.
Your dog may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the mosquito bite. This can relieve any symptoms of inflammation and redness.
Benadryl is considered safe if given in correct doses for your dog. We would suggest speaking to your vet about the correct dosage for your dog. As a general rule of thumb, dogs can safely consume 1mg of Benadryl per pound of bodyweight. If you have a 30-pound dog, this means they can safely consume 30mg of Benadryl.
Coconut Oil
If you are looking for a quick and natural solution that may be in your pantry, try coconut oil.
After cleaning your dog’s mosquito bite, you can dab some coconut oil on their skin. Certain compounds within coconut oil will not only provide quick relief for your four-legged friend, but it can also be used as a mosquito repellant.
It also adds a thin protective layer on top of the bite to protect any bacteria or dirt from entering your dog’s body.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has many everyday uses and benefits, from brushing your teeth to deodorizing your refrigerator.
This miracle powder can also be used to treat mosquito bites. By diluting the baking soda concentration, you can use this paste to relieve any irritability, soothe any redness, or calm any stinging that your dog is experiencing.
Milk of Magnesia
Not many people will have milk of magnesia laying around their house, but if you do, it’s one of the most powerful ways to relieve skin irritation from a mosquito bite. Simply dab a small amount of the cream on the bite, and within minutes your dog should be feeling much better.
Oatmeal Paste
You’ve likely heard of giving your dog an oatmeal bath, but you can also use oatmeal paste to treat skin irritation from a bug bite, including mosquitos. To create oatmeal paste, simply mix oatmeal with water and blend it in a blender. You should be left with a paste you can put on your dog.
Because this is a bit of a messy solution, it’s important to thoroughly wash your dog when taking the paste off. Also, keep an eye on your dog to make sure they don’t eat the paste!
Cold Compress
Another easy way to provide instant relief for your pup is cold compression. In fact, after you clean the mosquito bite, you may want to try this first.
You can use a typical ice pack, a bag of peas, or a plastic bag with some ice in it. This isn’t going to heal the bite, but it will provide instant relief from the discomfort.
We still recommend that you put a topical on the bite after you are done with the cold compress.
Mosquito Bite Tips
As stated in the introduction, mosquito bites are more dangerous for dogs than they are for humans. Because of this, you want to do everything possible to prevent your dog from getting bit.
It Starts With The Environment
To decrease the chances of mosquito bites, the first thing to do is evaluate the environment your dog is playing in. You want them to stay far from areas that attract mosquitoes, such as dark and damp spots, gutters, and standing water.
If you notice these areas in parts of your yard, I would highly recommend getting these areas fixed so your four-legged friend can roam free.
If you have tried some yard work and the mosquitos are still roaming your backyard, pest control may be your best option.
They will come to your yard and spray any highly trafficked areas. When dealing with pest control, you must make sure their products are dog friendly.
Heartworm Prevention
We know that heartworms are rampant during mosquito season since mosquitos carry them. Most vets recommend that you put your dog on heartworm medication.
This is a medication that you should give your dog monthly to prevent heartworm disease. Please don’t take this advice lightly. It’s very important to your dog’s health and livelihood that they get put on heartworm medication. Especially if you live in an area with a lot of mosquitos.
Dog-Friendly Bug Repellent
Human bug spray is very toxic for dogs. Do not spray any human bug spray on your dog.
Thankfully, there are dog-friendly bug sprays that you can find at your local pet store. These are usually inexpensive solutions that you can spray on your dog before you both head out for your daily walk.
If you are not a bug spray fan, you can always give your dog a repellent collar. These collars have a blend of essential oils and do a great job of repelling bugs and mosquitos.
Treat Mosquito Bites ASAP
Mosquitos can play a harmful role in your four-legged friend’s livelihood. It’s crucial to understand how to treat and prevent them as best as you can.
If you have any concerns about treating your dog’s mosquito bite, we suggest speaking to your personal veterinarian for the best solution. We hope that you and Fido live mosquito-free this summer with these quick and easy tips!
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