Can Dogs Get Bed Bugs? What Pet Experts Say

If you’ve ever dealt with a bed bug infestation, you know the panic that sets in. These tiny vampires can turn your bedroom into a nightmare, and if you share your home with a furry friend, you’re probably wondering: can dogs get bed bugs? The short answer is yes, but not in the way you might think. Your pup won’t become a permanent host for these parasites, but they can absolutely pick them up and inadvertently bring them into your bed—or worse, spread them throughout your home.

Bed bugs are equal-opportunity pests that will bite anything warm-blooded, including your beloved canine companion. However, unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs don’t actually live on dogs. They’re more like opportunistic hitchhikers that use your pooch as a mobile transportation system. Understanding this distinction is crucial for protecting both your dog and your home from infestation.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bed bugs and dogs, including how to spot signs of infestation, what to do if your dog brings these pests home, and how to prevent future problems. Pet experts and veterinarians weigh in on this common concern, so let’s dive in and get your mind at ease.

Do Dogs Actually Get Bed Bugs?

The technical answer is nuanced. Dogs don’t “get” bed bugs in the same way they get fleas or mange. Bed bugs won’t establish a permanent colony on your dog’s body because they prefer to live in dark crevices—like mattress seams, furniture cracks, and wall voids—rather than on a host’s fur. However, bed bugs will absolutely bite your dog when given the opportunity, and your pup can definitely pick them up and transport them elsewhere.

According to the American Association of Feed Control Officials and veterinary parasitology experts, bed bugs are surprisingly indiscriminate when it comes to feeding. They’ll bite dogs, cats, humans, and even birds. Your dog’s fur actually makes them a less-than-ideal host compared to humans, which is why bed bugs won’t stay on your dog for extended periods. But that doesn’t mean your pup is safe from bites or from being a vector for infestation.

One of the most concerning aspects is that dogs can carry bed bugs from infested locations back to your home. If your dog spends time at a friend’s house, a boarding facility, a dog park, or even a vet’s office where bed bugs are present, they can pick up these parasites and bring them home with them.

How Dogs Can Carry Bed Bugs

Understanding the mechanics of how your dog becomes a bed bug taxi is essential for prevention. Bed bugs are hitchhikers by nature—they don’t jump or fly, but they’re excellent crawlers. When your dog encounters an infested area, bed bugs can crawl onto their fur, hide in their collar, or nestle into their bedding.

Here’s the journey: Your dog visits an infested location, bed bugs crawl onto their coat or collar, and then they return home with you. Once inside your house, the bed bugs can crawl off onto your furniture, your bed, or your dog’s own sleeping area. This is why it’s crucial to understand how dogs carry bed bugs and the risks associated with it.

The most common places where dogs pick up bed bugs include:

• Boarding facilities and kennels: These environments house multiple dogs and can be hotspots for bed bug infestations if not properly maintained.
• Dog parks: Shared spaces where dogs interact with their environment and other pets increase exposure risk.
• Veterinary clinics: While rare, vet offices do occasionally have bed bug issues, especially in waiting areas.
• Friends’ and family members’ homes: If someone in your social circle has bed bugs, your dog could pick them up during visits.
• Grooming facilities: Any place where multiple dogs are handled daily is a potential exposure point.
• Outdoor areas: While less common, bed bugs can occasionally be found in outdoor spaces where infested animals or people have been.

Signs Your Dog Has Been Exposed to Bed Bugs

Since bed bugs will bite your dog, it’s important to know what to look for. The signs of bed bug exposure in dogs aren’t always obvious, especially if your dog has thick fur. However, there are several telltale indicators that your pup may have encountered these parasites.

Bed bug bites on dogs typically appear as small, red, itchy bumps, often in clusters or lines. Unlike flea bites on dogs, bed bug bites may not be as immediately visible, depending on your dog’s coat color and thickness. You might notice your dog scratching more than usual, or you could spot the actual bite marks if you part their fur carefully.

Look for these warning signs:

1. Excessive scratching or licking: If your dog is suddenly scratching more, especially in new areas, this could indicate bed bug bites.
2. Red, inflamed skin: Small red welts or bumps, particularly in clusters, may indicate bed bug activity.
3. Hair loss: Persistent scratching can lead to localized hair loss or bald patches.
4. Restlessness: Your dog might seem uncomfortable, especially at night when bed bugs are most active.
5. Behavioral changes: Some dogs become anxious or reluctant to sleep in certain areas if they’ve been bitten repeatedly.
6. Visible bugs or fecal matter: In severe cases, you might actually spot tiny bugs or dark specks (bed bug feces) on your dog’s bedding or collar.

It’s important to distinguish bed bug bites from other parasitic issues. What fleas look like on dogs is quite different from bed bug evidence, so proper identification is crucial for effective treatment.

Can Bed Bugs Live on Dogs Long-Term?

The short answer is no, bed bugs cannot establish a permanent infestation on your dog. Here’s why: bed bugs are highly specialized parasites that have evolved to live in specific environments. Their bodies are flat and wingless, designed to fit into tight spaces like mattress seams and furniture cracks. A dog’s fur, while providing some hiding spots, is too mobile and active for bed bugs to establish a sustainable population.

According to research from the National Pest Management Association, bed bugs typically only remain on a host long enough to feed—usually 5-10 minutes. After feeding, they return to their harborage areas to digest, mate, and lay eggs. They simply don’t have the biological need or ability to live long-term on animals with fur as dense as a dog’s coat.

However, this doesn’t mean your dog can’t be a vector for bed bugs. While they won’t live on your dog permanently, they can certainly hitch a ride to new locations. The bed bugs that attach to your dog are likely searching for a better harborage area, which, unfortunately for you, might be your mattress or couch.

Protecting Your Dog from Bed Bugs

Prevention is always better than dealing with an infestation. While you can’t completely eliminate the risk, especially if your dog is social and spends time in various locations, you can significantly reduce the chances of bed bugs coming home with your furry friend.

Regular Inspections: After your dog returns from boarding facilities, dog parks, or visits to other homes, give them a thorough inspection. Check their collar, the areas around their ears, and between their toes. Look for any tiny bugs or unusual skin irritation.

Wash Dog Bedding Frequently: Wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and any fabric items they use regularly in hot water (at least 118°F or 48°C) and dry on high heat. Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs at all life stages.

Vacuum Regularly: Regular vacuuming of your home, including areas where your dog spends time, can help catch bed bugs before they establish themselves. Be sure to vacuum under furniture and in crevices.

Choose Quality Boarding Facilities: When selecting a boarding facility or groomer, ask about their pest control measures and cleanliness standards. A reputable facility should have protocols in place to prevent infestations.

Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior: Pay attention to changes in your dog’s scratching habits or sleep patterns. Early detection of bites can help you address a problem before it becomes a full infestation.

What to Do If Your Dog Brings Home Bed Bugs

If you suspect your dog has encountered bed bugs or brought them into your home, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step action plan:

Step 1: Confirm the Infestation Look for the telltale signs of bed bugs in your home. Check your mattress seams, furniture crevices, and behind baseboards. Bed bugs leave dark fecal spots and shed skins. If you’re unsure, contact a professional pest control company for inspection.

Step 2: Isolate and Clean Wash all of your dog’s bedding, toys, and any fabric items they’ve been in contact with in hot water and dry on high heat. How to get dog pee smell out of couch might seem unrelated, but the cleaning principles—especially regarding fabric treatment—can apply to bed bug decontamination as well.

Step 3: Treat Your Home Professional pest control is usually necessary for bed bug elimination. The EPA provides guidance on bed bug treatment options, and most experts recommend heat treatment or chemical treatments applied by licensed professionals.

Step 4: Check Your Dog for Bites If your dog has been bitten, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend appropriate treatment for any skin irritation or secondary infections that may have developed from scratching.

Step 5: Prevent Re-Infestation Continue regular inspections and maintain strict cleaning protocols. Consider using interceptor cups or climbing interceptors under furniture legs to trap any bed bugs trying to reach your bed or furniture.

If you’re also dealing with other household pest issues related to your dog, like how to clean dog poop out of carpet, addressing these simultaneously ensures a comprehensive approach to home cleanliness and pest prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bed bugs live in dog fur permanently?

No, bed bugs cannot establish a permanent infestation on your dog. They may bite your dog and hide in their fur temporarily, but they will eventually relocate to a more suitable harborage area like your mattress or furniture.

Will my dog get sick from bed bug bites?

Most dogs won’t get seriously ill from bed bug bites, but some may experience allergic reactions or skin infections from excessive scratching. If your dog shows signs of infection or severe allergic reaction, consult your veterinarian.

Are bed bugs dangerous to dogs?

While bed bugs are annoying and uncomfortable for dogs, they’re not typically dangerous. However, repeated bites can cause skin irritation, and in rare cases, severe infestations could lead to anemia in young puppies or elderly dogs.

Can I treat my dog with pesticides to prevent bed bugs?

No, you should not use pesticides on your dog specifically to prevent or treat bed bugs. Instead, focus on environmental control and consult your veterinarian if your dog has been bitten. Flea and tick preventatives won’t work against bed bugs.

How quickly do bed bugs reproduce?

Bed bugs reproduce relatively quickly. A female can lay 1-5 eggs per day, and they can reach adulthood in as little as 7-10 days under ideal conditions. This is why prompt action is crucial if you suspect an infestation.

Should I be concerned about my dog spreading bed bugs to other dogs?

While it’s theoretically possible for your dog to transfer bed bugs to another dog, it’s unlikely since bed bugs don’t stay on hosts for extended periods. However, it’s best to inform other pet owners if your dog has been exposed and to avoid shared bedding or close contact until the situation is resolved.

What’s the difference between bed bug bites and flea bites on dogs?

Flea bites typically appear as small red bumps concentrated on the lower back and tail area, while bed bug bites can appear anywhere on the body and may be in clusters or lines. Additionally, fleas live on the dog, while bed bugs do not.