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While the risk shouldn’t prevent you from spending time outside with your dog, it’s important to know about the possibility. “1-2 mg/pound is the rule of thumb, but it’s always best to check with your vet before giving OTC meds to your dog, because allergic reactions may require a trip to your vet.”Īrguably the most dangerous result of a mosquito bite on a dog is the risk of heartworm. “Antihistamines like Benadryl given by mouth are helpful to relieve the swelling and itching,” says Osborne. Allergic reactions can include facial swelling, (particularly by the base of the muzzle and around the eyes), difficulty breathing, hives, appetite loss and lethargy, researchers found. Unfortunately, some dogs can be allergic to mosquito bites and can have more severe reactions. Bathing your dog in cold water can also help them feel better. “Make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the bites to soothe them and help relieve the itching,” says Osborne. In fact, there are plenty of natural remedies that you can whip up at home to soothe your pet. If your dog has a mosquito bite that might be annoying them (but is not dangerous or life-threatening), there are many ways to help ease the itching. Natural remedies for insect and mosquito bites on dogs
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“Mosquito bites cause red, raised itchy bumps that are annoying, so dogs lick and scratch the bumps which can then become secondarily infected.” Treating your dog’s mosquito bites with antibacterial cream applied to the bite site can prevent a potential infection from occurring if your dog decides to scratch the spot. Use your eyes and hands to locate the bites,” advises Osborne. “Carefully examine your dog's skin, especially the belly and areas with less fur.
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But you should always do a skin check after spending prolonged time outdoors to ensure that any mosquito bites your dog has aren’t a cause for concern. If your dog gets a mosquito bite here and there, it might not be a big deal.
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Kymberlie Dozois Photography/Image Source/Getty Images How to treat mosquito bites on dogs Matthew McCarthy, founder and medical director at Juniper Valley Animal Hospital. “Keep an eye on your doggie to make sure that they are not chowing down on them, as they can cause quite wicked gastrointestinal upset,” advises Dr. Just keep an eye on your pooch to ensure that they don’t make a meal out of the plantings. Easy-to-grow herbs like catnip, lemon balm, basil, and rosemary, Osborne advises are all natural mosquito repellents. Lastly, consider adding plants to your yard that naturally help repel mosquitoes. Gary Richter, owner and medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care. “To prevent mosquito bites, you can use a natural formula like Wondercide,” suggests Dr. “Human sprays for children typically do not contain DEET but are often based around essential oils, of which quite a few are skin irritants to dogs and have a potential for toxicity if consumed (remember dogs like to lick themselves).” You can also buy non-toxic remedies to stop mosquito bites, too. “Topical sprays for human adults often contain DEET, which can cause neurological problems, such as tremors, seizures, or even death in dogs,” says McCarthy. Hoping to use bug spray on your dog to prevent bites? Be choosy about which spray you use. The combination of citronella and vanillin (the main chemical compound found in the extract from a vanilla bean) can keep those mosquitos away from you and your dog, according to a PubMed study. “Burn candles made from citronella, beeswax, and soy to prevent mosquito bites,” says Osborne. If you’re used to burning sweet-scented candles, get used to the scent of citronella. “Use safe and effective repellents available from your veterinarian, and be sure that screen doors are intact and don’t have holes in them.” Another option is to eliminate standing water from your yard, because standing water is where mosquitoes breed. Carol Osborne, an integrative veterinarian tells Romper. “Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so keeping pets inside at those times is helpful,” Dr. You may know all the go-to remedies for treating mosquito bites on people, but do you know how to treat mosquito bites on dogs? How to prevent mosquito bites on dogsīefore we get into how to treat mosquito bites in dogs, it must be said that prevention is the best cure. The grass is green and inviting and the weather is great – what better time to throw a ball with your dog or go on an hours-long walk? Unfortunately, all this natural beauty and extra time outside comes with some risks to your family dog: Namely, mosquito bites.