Just like us, many dog breeds are susceptible to insects, but can mosquitoes bite a German Shepherd Dog? Or will the double coat get in the way?
It’s possible for a mosquito to bite your dog despite the luscious coat of fur, especially if he’s playing on grass. Unfortunately, sometimes the bites can be more than just irritating and itchy since dangerous mosquito-borne diseases can spread through the insect’s saliva.
This article goes over how these buzzing little insects can make it through the German Shepherd’s dense fur, what the risks are, and what you can do to help. So, hang tight!
How Can Mosquitoes Bite a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are double-coat dogs, which means that they have two layers of fur at different lengths, densities, growth rates, and shedding patterns. This might leave you under the impression that the breed is resistant to insect bites.
However, mosquitoes are quite persistent; they’ll find the tiniest patch of exposed skin and make their way through the dog’s fur down to the surface.
Plus, they might also find places where the German Shepherd’s coat isn’t as dense, like:
- Around the eyes
- Muzzle/snout
- Top of the head
- Ears
- Paws
So, you can’t rely on the double coat to protect your dog when you’re spending time outdoors during the summer.
Can a Mosquito Bite Harm a German Shepherd?
There are lots of ways that a mosquito bite could be a nuisance for your German Shepherd. In the best-case scenario, the area will itch for a while and resolve on its own.
However, if the pup can’t hold back the desire to scratch, he could rub his skin till it bleeds. He might even be allergic and get swollen around the bite.
Sadly, none of these is even the worst-case scenario. That’s because, during the bite, serious diseases could pass from the insect’s mouth and into the dog’s bloodstream.
For one, the bite could transmit the larvae of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which causes canine heartworm.
Although an infected dog won’t pass on the disease to you or other pets at home, it can still be quite dangerous. If left undiagnosed, each one of those worms could settle and reproduce in the dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels for 5-7 years.
Heartworm could show any of the following symptoms, depending on the case’s severity:
- Cough
- Lethargy
- Trouble breathing
- Cardiovascular collapse due to caval syndrome
Asides from heartworms, dogs with compromised immunity might also be susceptible to the West Nile virus from an infected mosquito.
It’s also possible for the bite to trigger a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus flare, which is rare but also happens in humans.
5 Tips to Protect a German Shepherd From Mosquito Bites
So, there’s a lot on the line with mosquito bites, and not even the German Shepherd’s dense double coat can help on its own. You can’t stop taking your dog outdoors either since he’ll need the exercise time to release pent-up energy.
Don’t worry; some simple tips and tricks can keep mosquitoes away or prevent their harmful side effects.
1. Get Pet-Safe Repellent Sprays
A bottle of mosquito repellent that’s safe for dogs might not clear the yard from those buzzing insects, but at least it’ll keep them off your dog.
Remember to take the repellent on the go for long walks and hikes since you’ll most likely need to reapply it after a while. Most brands recommend touching up every couple of hours.
Just be sure to avoid the eyes and groin area when you’re spraying down your German Shepherd.
2. Consider the Landscape
Mosquitoes may be more common in hot weather, but the landscape can make a difference, too.
While the volatile oils in plants like Citronella can repel mosquitoes, a potted plant on your porch won’t make that big of a difference. The scented candles won’t do much, either.
Instead, you might want to take a hard look at your yard and eliminate the sources.
For one, they’re usually attracted to puddles of standing water and birdbaths. Plus, some plants might even lure them in, like water lilies, hyacinths, water lettuce, and bamboo. Of course, trash, food debris, and fire pits won’t help the situation.
You can also avoid taking your German Shepherd on walks where there’s standing water.
3. Use a Mesh Tent
Younger German Shepherd puppies have high-energy drives and might need a lot of space to roam, roll, and play. However, as your dog ages, it’s possible he’ll be content with a quiet nap in the sun.
In that case, you can opt to have a small DIY bed with a mosquito net in your backyard for your pet to lay down in peace.
Just keep in mind that overly curious dogs might tear the whole net away, so this method isn’t going to work for all cases.
4. Turn on a Box Fan
Circulating air can force mosquitoes to fly away. So, if you want to enjoy a day on the porch with your German Shepherd, an outdoor fan might be just what you need.
On the plus side, it might also help your little buddy cool down and prevent overheating during the peak summer months.
Once again, you’ll want to make sure that your dog is well-trained and won’t try to tamper with the fan for his own safety.
5. Take a Trip to the Vet
If your poor dog ends up with a mosquito bite anyway and the skin swells or looks irritated, you’re due for a visit to the vet.
Your vet will be able to eliminate a dangerous anaphylactic reaction. He could also prescribe topical creams as a spot treatment to calm the area down and reduce itching.
However, doing all the annual blood work and physical checkups is also crucial. Remember that diseases like heartworm are treatable with early diagnosis!
Final Thoughts
So, can mosquitoes bite a German Shepherd?
Unfortunately, yes, and it can lead to itching, skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even a potentially fatal heartworm infestation.
You might not be able to protect your little buddy entirely from insects, but a bit of prevention goes a long way!
