Can Pets Spread Bed Bugs?
Unlike fleas, bed bugs have no interest in your cats or dogs. They can, however, infest pet bedding.
What to know about bed bugs and pets:
- Bed bugs prefer human hosts, but can bite dogs, cats, rodents, and even birds!
- Bed bugs will not burrow or live in your pet’s skin like fleas do.
- If you think your pet has been bitten, the bites will look like tiny red bumps on their belly or limbs, typically in areas with less hair.
- If you notice your pet showing signs of discomfort or weird symptoms, take them to your vet, and consider calling an exterminator to check for bed bugs in your home.
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Are Bed Bugs Dangerous for Pets?
Bed bugs are concerned about feeding on you, not your cat or dog! If you do notice the signs of bites on your pet, it’s best to look for signs of bed bugs in your property. Look for bed bug stains and skins near or on their beds. If you find any signs, it’s important to call an exterminator as soon as possible to handle the infestation for you.
Do Dogs Pick up Bed Bugs Outside?
Unlike many types of pests, bed bugs aren’t crawling outdoors waiting to latch onto a host. It is very rare that bed bugs are able to survive an outdoors environment whatsoever. If your neighbor is dealing with bed bugs, don’t worry about your dog picking them up on a walk or in your backyard. You’ll only get them if they hitch a ride on something and move from one home to another.
Protecting Your Cats and Dogs from Bed Bugs in the North and East Bay
If you have a bed bug infestation, it’s important to check your pet’s bedding for signs of bugs. Just as you would with your own bedding, carefully wash items in a hot cycle wash and dry them thoroughly with high heat. This will ensure any live bed bugs in any stage of life are killed. In addition, call your local exterminator.
