Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Bed bugs are nasty and can be hard to get rid of if you don’t know what you’re doing, but the worst part about them is that they bite you – and sometimes even your pets! While these little bloodsuckers may snack on your cat or dog, they don’t typically rely on animals as their primary food source.
People should pay close attention to whether or not their pets are affected by bed bugs since they can
be brought into the home by your pets, who may pass the infestation to you if you aren’t careful.
Here, we answer the question, do bed bugs bite pets? So you know how to protect your furry friends
from these terrible insects!
What Do You Need to Know
Don’t let your dog or cat’s cuteness fool you—they can be just as susceptible to bed bugs as humans.
The unwelcome critters will sneak into your dog or cat’s favorite sleeping spot, climb on board, and then
wait patiently for their host to return. No matter what, these bed bugs cannot make your pet their permanent food source.
How can I tell if a Bed Bug has Bitten My Pet
It can be hard to tell if a bed bug has bitten your pet, but here are a few signs you should look out for.
First, bed bugs tend to bite people in predictable places: near arms and shoulders, on our legs and feet,
near our head (as we sleep), and in our facial area.
If your pet has been bitten in these areas, that may mean a bed bug has visited them. Other common
symptoms of being bitten include red welts or rashes that form around bites.
Unfortunately, other things, such as fleas or scabies, can also cause rashes, so it’s not always easy to tell
what’s happening—especially if you don’t see any bugs!
How can I Prevent My Pet from Being Bitten by a Bed Bug
Many people are understandably concerned about bed bugs biting their pets and taking a bite out of
their wallets. Does my pet have to get bit by a bed bug for me to see an infestation?
Wonder no longer. The short answer is no: while there is some debate over whether or not you can
contract an illness through a pet, it appears that your dog, cat or another furry friend can harbor bed
bugs long before they’re discovered by human radar.
Simply having them within proximity could be enough. Don’t worry too much if you’ve noticed bites on
your animal but haven’t found any on yourself (or vice versa).
