If your dog’s been itching a lot lately and you’ve spotted a few suspicious bites on yourself, it’s normal to wonder: could your pet be the reason you’ve got bed bugs in the house?
It’s a question many dog owners ask when a bed bug problem shows up. You probably already know that these tiny pests feed on blood, so it’s not far-fetched to think they might target your dog too.
Let’s look at whether bed bugs can live on dogs, what that means for your home, and what you should do if you think your pet has come into contact with them.
Can bed bugs live in dog fur like fleas?
Not really. Unlike fleas or ticks, bed bugs aren’t built to live in fur. Their bodies are flat and round, and they don’t have the claws or grip that fleas use to cling onto moving animals.
That said, bed bugs can and do bite dogs. They don’t live on dogs, but they might use your dog as a meal source if nothing else is available — especially if your home already has an infestation.
You won’t normally find bed bugs burrowed into your dog’s coat like you would with fleas. Instead, they tend to hide in cracks, corners, and soft furnishings, and only come out to feed when it’s quiet — usually at night.
Why would a bed bug bite a dog?
Bed bugs are opportunistic feeders. They prefer human blood, but they’re not picky. If they’re hungry and you’re not around, they’ll go for whatever’s nearby — and that can include your dog.
Some reasons bed bugs might bite your dog:
- You sleep in the same room as your dog, and the bed bugs are spreading
- Your dog sleeps on soft bedding that’s close to an infested area
- The infestation is large, and the bugs are looking for extra food sources
Still, your dog isn’t their first choice. Bed bugs are attracted to body heat, CO₂, and human scent. Unless the infestation is bad, they’ll usually wait to feed on people rather than animals.
Can dogs bring bed bugs into the house?
This is where things get a bit tricky. Bed bugs don’t hitchhike the way fleas do — they don’t jump, cling, or crawl through grass. So your dog isn’t likely to pick up bed bugs just by going for a walk or being outside.
However, they could carry a bed bug into your home if:
- They sleep in a kennel or soft dog bed that’s been exposed elsewhere
- You’ve recently travelled with them and stayed somewhere infested
- You’ve adopted or fostered them from a shelter with bed bug issues
- You’ve picked up second-hand pet accessories that weren’t cleaned
So while it’s uncommon, it’s not impossible. The more likely scenario is that your home already had bed bugs, and your dog is now being bitten because they’re around the same sleeping spaces as you.
What do bed bug bites look like on dogs?
Bed bug bites can look a lot like flea bites or mosquito bites. On dogs, they tend to show up as:
- Small red bumps
- Raised, slightly swollen skin
- Mild irritation or itching
- Clusters of bites, often in a line
You might notice your dog scratching more than usual, licking or chewing certain areas, or seeming restless during the night. But these signs are quite general and can point to other problems too — like allergies, fleas, or dermatitis.
The most reliable way to tell if bed bugs are the cause is to look at your home, not just your dog. If you’re also waking up with itchy bites and you see small black dots or blood stains on the sheets, that’s a red flag.
Can bed bugs infest a dog’s bed?
Yes — and they often do. Bed bugs love soft, dark spaces where they can hide during the day. A dog bed is warm, quiet, and full of places to tuck themselves into.
Check your dog’s bed for:
- Tiny dark spots (bed bug faeces)
- Pale yellow skins (shed by nymphs)
- Small white eggs, often in seams or folds
- Musty or sweet smells
- Live bugs hiding in creases or corners
Even if your dog isn’t showing signs of bites, their bed might still be part of the problem — especially if it’s placed near your own bed or soft furniture.
How do you treat a dog bed for bed bugs?
If you think your dog’s bed is infested, act fast. Bed bugs lay eggs quickly, and soft fabrics are easy hiding places.
Here’s what to do:
Wash the bed on the hottest setting
Use hot water (at least 60°C) and a long cycle. Then tumble dry on high heat for 30–60 minutes. Heat is the most effective way to kill bed bugs and eggs.
Vacuum the area thoroughly
Clean the floor, skirting boards, and nearby furniture. Use a crevice tool to get into cracks. After vacuuming, empty the bag or container immediately and seal it in a bin outside.
Inspect any surrounding items
Bed bugs can crawl to nearby toys, blankets, rugs, or furniture. Check anything soft and wash or treat as needed.
Consider replacing the bed
If it’s old, worn, or difficult to clean, it might be easier to throw it away and start fresh — just make sure you seal it in a bag and label it before disposing of it.
Should you treat your dog directly for bed bugs?
In most cases, you don’t need to apply any treatment to your dog — because the bugs aren’t living on them.
But if your dog has been bitten and seems uncomfortable, you can:
- Wash them with a gentle pet shampoo
- Use a vet-approved anti-itch spray or soothing cream
- Keep their sleeping area clean and bug-free
Don’t use harsh insecticides, flea collars, or over-the-counter sprays meant for pests unless your vet says they’re safe. Many of these products are too strong or not effective against bed bugs anyway.
If you’re unsure, always speak to your vet first.
What about natural remedies?
You can support treatment with a few natural methods, especially if you’re trying to avoid chemicals around pets.
Steam cleaning your floors and furniture helps kill bugs in hard-to-reach areas. Essential oil sprays (like lavender or tea tree) can help repel them, though these should never be used directly on pets. Also, diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled under furniture or around baseboards — just keep it away from where your dog sleeps or breathes.
Make sure anything you use is pet-safe and used with care.
How to prevent bed bugs from biting your dog again
Once you’ve treated the area, keeping it clean and being watchful can help stop the bugs from coming back.
- Keep your dog’s bedding washed regularly on high heat
- Don’t let second-hand furniture or pet items in without checking them
- Move dog beds slightly away from your own bed or walls
- Vacuum regularly, especially around soft furnishings
- If you travel with your dog, inspect hotel rooms carefully
If you’re dealing with repeat bites and you’re not sure where the bugs are hiding, it’s time to get a professional inspection. Bed bugs can live in mattresses, sofa seams, wall sockets, carpet edges, and more.
What’s the difference between bed bugs and fleas?
It’s easy to confuse the two. Here’s how they differ:
Fleas:
- Live and breed on pets
- Jump long distances
- Bites often found around ankles, legs, belly
- Leave flea dirt in fur (tiny black specs that smear red)
Bed Bugs:
- Live in furniture or walls
- Crawl slowly, can’t jump
- Bite exposed skin at night
- Leave small blood stains on sheets
If you’re seeing bugs on your dog’s coat, it’s more likely to be fleas. If you’re finding bites on both you and your dog — especially overnight — bed bugs could be to blame.
Can dogs detect bed bugs?
Interestingly, yes. Specially trained dogs are used by pest control companies to sniff out infestations. Their noses are incredibly sensitive and can detect even small numbers of bed bugs hidden deep in furniture or behind walls.
However, your average pet dog isn’t trained to do this — so unless your dog is unusually interested in a particular part of the house, it’s not a reliable sign on its own.
Related Questions
Can dogs be allergic to bed bug bites?
It’s rare, but some dogs may have stronger reactions than others. If your dog has red, inflamed skin or shows signs of discomfort after bites, a vet visit is a good idea.
How long do bed bug bites last on dogs?
Usually a few days to a week. Scratching can make it worse, so try to keep your dog from irritating the skin while it heals.
Will flea treatments kill bed bugs on dogs?
No. Flea treatments aren’t designed for bed bugs, and they won’t stop the real source of the problem — the hidden bugs in your home.
Can I sleep with my dog if I have bed bugs?
It’s better to reduce contact until the infestation is under control. Bed bugs can spread to pet bedding and bite your dog if they share sleeping spaces.
Should I throw away my dog’s bed?
Only if you can’t clean it thoroughly. If you can wash and dry it on high heat, or steam it well, you don’t need to replace it.
Final thoughts
Bed bugs don’t live on dogs like fleas do — but they’re still a problem for pet owners. If your dog’s getting bitten, it’s a sign that bed bugs are nearby and using them as a secondary food source.
The key is not to panic. Focus on treating your home, cleaning thoroughly, and keeping your dog’s bed clean and warm. If you act quickly, you can protect your pet and stop the infestation before it spreads too far.
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