Just as mosquitoes bite humans, so do they bite dogs and cats - and they can spread infection and disease that could make your pet very ill. 

Mosquito bites are really painful yet some dogs still can’t resist chasing after insects. At best, a mosquito bite will irritate your pet’s skin and feel very itchy. However, the bite can also become infected – especially if scratched – and, in Mediterranean countries and tropical climates, a mosquito bite can potentially be a source of disease.

Mosquitoes are usually linked to malaria in humans but, when it comes to dogs and cats, the most serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes is heartworm disease (also called dirofilariosis) caused by the heartworm. 

What is a heartworm?

The heartworm (or Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes and lives in the heart of affected dogs and, less commonly, cats. The symptoms of heartworm disease may include weight loss, tiredness, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties and excessive panting. In severe cases, heartworm disease can be fatal. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health – especially if your pet has recently spent time in a hot climate – always contact your vet for advice.

Preventing the spread of heartworm via mosquitoes

When a female mosquito pierces your dog’s skin, she injects saliva into your pet’s blood and this can contain organisms and bacteria from previous bites. A mosquito doesn’t die after biting so each female mosquito can bite many times, spreading disease and infection from host to host. 

If you live in a hot climate, or you’re travelling abroad with your pet, speak to your vet about choosing a dog safe mosquito repellent. It’s sensible to avoid walking your dog near still or stagnant water at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. If you can, try and distract your dog when he next tries to chase a buzzing insect – you might just be saving his life!