Can Dogs Carry Bed Bugs?

In the United States, 79% of pet owners consider their pet to be their best friend.

Having a four-legged best friend can be one of the best things in the world. You spend as much time as possible with your furry friend. This begs the question, can dogs carry bed bugs? After all, they go with you on vacation, often staying in the same bed as you.

You may be surprised to find that the answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, brownish insects that feed off of blood and have no wings. They are often found in beds, hence their name, but can be anywhere people visit. They aren’t known to carry any diseases, but some people can have severe allergic reactions to them.

Bed bugs are difficult to spot because they are no bigger than an apple seed. This allows them to stay hidden in bedding, luggage, or clothing. The bites will clear up in around 2 weeks, and that’s without medical treatment.

Can Dogs Carry Bed Bugs?

The short answer is yes, they can. It is possible for bed bugs to hide on or around your dog, and for them to be brought home. The reality is that you aren’t going to get bed bugs from your dog. Bed bugs don’t like to be in dog fur, and it is dangerous for them to live there.

It is difficult for bed bugs to cling onto a dog, so if you do find them it will often be around their collar or leash. Check these areas if you have any concerns. The reality is that you are far more likely to be the one who brings bed bugs into your home.

Can dogs carry bed bugs? Yes. Are the chances of that happening extremely remote? Also yes. Dogs and cats are both unlikely to be the cause of your bed bug problem.

How Do Bed Bugs Get Transported?

A lot of bed bugs come from hotels and other communal or shared living arrangements like Airbnb. They are brought home because they cling to our clothing, our bodies, and even our luggage or pillows. Before you know it, you’ll have bed bugs everywhere and that requires professional assistance.

If you fear that you have bed bugs and live in the Oakdale, CA area, make sure to click here. A bed bug infestation is no laughing matter, and it is not easy to remove them once they make their home in your home. They can cling to almost anything that you take with you on vacation.

Can Dogs Carry Bed Bugs?

While the answer remains yes to can dogs carry bed bugs, keep in mind the real situation. Your four-legged friend might bring fleas in from the outside, but the chances that he’s bringing in bed bugs are very slim. Most often it is we who bring those pests into our homes.

If you need help with a pest infestation, or if this article was interesting, please take a moment and check out our website for more information.