Bed bug bites may be seen in dogs and if you have bed bugs, your dog will most certainly be affected by bites. As any other bites in dogs, the bed bug bites are not dangerous, but if your dog is severely allergic to the bite, he may develop a severe reaction or even anaphylaxis. It’s important to detect any insect bites and possible allergic reactions, so that you can administer treatment in a timely manner.
Symptoms of Bed Bugs in Dogs
Bed bugs are parasites from the family of Cimicidae. The bed bug bites in dogs will look like small, red bumps. These bumps will be typically in series of 2 or 3 and will be most visible on the pet’s stomach or limbs. Your dog will also present additional symptoms such as:
- Itchy skin
- Scratching
- Biting
- Licking the skin, which will be due to the fact that the bites will cause itchiness
- Swelling of the skin
- Irritability
In some cases, seeing these symptoms in your dog may help you establish that you have bed bugs in your home. It may happen that you don’t notice any bed bug bites on your skin and see these on your pet. You may also look for bed bugs in your home; these insects are oval, flat, red-brown and don’t have wings. These insects can be found in the bed area.
In rare cases, the dog may develop a severe allergic reaction to the bed bug bites. The allergic reaction is due to the contents of the bed bug saliva and will manifest through symptoms such as:
- Severe swelling, which may involve the entire limb or affected area
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The allergic reaction develops within a few minutes of the bites and your dog will need immediate veterinarian care.
Diagnosing Bed Bug Bites
You can diagnose the bed bug bites judging by the dog’s symptoms and looking for bed bugs in your house. However, a vet can also establish if the bites are due to bed bugs or other types of insects.
Treatment for Bed Bug Bites
The treatment of bed bug bites will have to start with topical ointments that will reduce the irritation. If the dog has a severe allergic reaction, injections or oral steroids will be administered. You may also opt for a few home remedies such as baking soda, which relives itchiness. Aloe vera may also be beneficial if the dog has severe skin irritation. You can use a slice of aloe vera plant and place this directly on the affected area. Apply some cold compresses, which can bring temporary relief and will also reduce the swelling.
It is also important to eliminate the bed bugs from your home. This is a difficult task, as the bed bugs can only be removed by specialized companies that deal with pest control. You may also consider eliminating your bedding or even your mattress.