Can Dog Beds Get Bed Bugs? The Truth About Infestation, Bites, and Removal

Your dog’s bed is supposed to be their happy place, not a hiding spot for creepy crawlies. But can dog beds get bed bugs? Sadly, yes. These little freeloaders don’t care who they bother as long as there’s warmth and a meal nearby.

Before you toss every blanket into the wash, take a breath. Bed bugs may love comfort, but they still prefer you over your dog.

Here’s how to tell if your pet bed is part of the problem and how to kick those pests out of your home for good.

Can Bed Bugs Infest Dog Beds?

Finding out that dog beds can get bed bugs sounds unfair. But knowing how and why it happens makes it easier to deal with.

Why a Dog Bed Is a Secondary Target

Yes, dog beds can get bed bugs. But your furry friend isn’t their first choice.

Bed bugs are after people because we’re easy to bite and hair-free. Still, when the lights go out, they’ll hide in any nearby crevice that keeps them close to their favorite host.

That includes your dog’s bed, the couch, or even the cracks in your nightstand. They don’t live on your dog, but they’ll gladly lurk near them if that’s where you hang out the most.

A Critical Distinction: Bed Bugs vs. Fleas and Ticks

This is where many dog owners get confused. Fleas and ticks live on your dog, making them constant pests. Bed bugs are sneakier. They live in the environment like under cushions, along seams, or behind headboards, and feed only when it’s dark and quiet.

They don’t cling to fur, jump, or nest on your dog. Instead, they strike, snack, and vanish before sunrise.

The Real Danger: When Bugs Are Found in the Dog Bed

If you find bed bugs in your dog’s bed, the real problem is bigger than you think. That usually means they’ve already spread through nearby human sleeping areas.

In other words, your dog’s bed is just another stop in their nightly route. You’ll need to look beyond your pet’s corner and inspect your own mattress, sofa, and baseboards for signs of the infestation.

Bed Bugs and Your Pet: Risk and Symptoms

Even though dogs aren’t the main target, they can still get bitten. Knowing what to look for helps you protect your pet before things get worse.

Will Bed Bugs Bite My Dog?

They can and sometimes will. If a bed bug can’t find a human, it may feed on a dog. But their thick fur makes it tough for the bug to reach the skin. That’s why bites often show up on the belly, legs, or groin, areas with less hair.

If your dog’s been restless or scratching more than usual after bedtime, bed bugs might be the reason.

Pictures of Bed Bug Bites on Dogs' Legs and Body

Bed bug bites on dogs can look like small, red bumps. They sometimes appear in clusters or lines, especially on exposed areas. You might notice them on your dog’s belly, limbs, or even around the groin.

They’re itchy but not always easy to spot. Many dog owners mistake them for flea bites or allergies at first.

How to Differentiate Bed Bug Bites from Flea Bites

It’s tricky, but there are clues. Flea bites usually appear around the feet and ankles or at the base of your dog’s tail. Bed bug bites show up in random places near where your dog sleeps.

If you see bites but no fleas hopping around, that’s a strong hint you’re dealing with bed bugs instead.

Medical Concerns: Are Bed Bug Bites Dangerous to Dogs?

The bites themselves aren’t dangerous. Bed bugs don’t spread disease, but constant scratching can cause infection.

If your dog’s skin looks irritated or they seem uncomfortable, it’s best to visit the vet. A quick check-up and some soothing treatment will keep things from getting worse.

The Role of Dogs and Humans in Spreading Bed Bugs

Understanding how bed bugs spread helps you stop them before they take over. Spoiler alert: it’s not your dog’s fault.

Can Humans Carry Bed Bugs and Start an Infestation?

Yes, humans are the main way bed bugs travel. They sneak into suitcases, clothes, purses, and used furniture. After a trip or secondhand purchase, they follow you home like unwanted souvenirs.

Once they’re inside, they crawl toward warm areas like beds, couches, or yes, your dog’s sleeping spot.

Do Dogs Spread Bed Bugs? Understanding Indirect Transmission

Dogs don’t carry bed bugs on their skin, but they can transport them accidentally. A few might hide in their dog crates, leashes, or blankets after visiting a friend’s house or boarding facility that’s infested.

So, while your dog isn’t spreading bugs directly, their stuff might. A quick inspection after trips can save you from a big headache later.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Dog’s Environment

Now that you know where the bugs come from, it’s time to send them packing. This takes a mix of heat, cleaning, and professional help if needed.

1. Treating the Dog’s Bed and Accessories Safely

Focus on your dog’s environment first.

• Hot Wash and High Heat Dry: Wash your dog’s Bowsers Urban Lounger Dog Bed - Platinum Collection, blankets, and soft toys in the hottest setting possible. Then dry them completely on high heat to kill any bugs or eggs.
• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to clean around seams and corners. Once done, seal and toss the vacuum bag outside right away.

These simple steps can drastically reduce the problem and make your home less inviting to pests.

2. Getting Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Dog (The Vet-Approved Approach)

Here’s what not to do: don’t use flea shampoos or bug sprays. They don’t work on bed bugs and can harm your dog’s skin.

Instead, help your pet feel comfortable. Ask your vet about anti-itch sprays or mild antihistamines to calm irritation. Focus on soothing your dog while tackling the environment separately.

3. Chemical Treatments and Pet Safety

Chemical treatments can work, but they’re not a DIY project. Always call a licensed pest control expert.

Make sure your pets are out of the house while treatments happen, and wait until everything is dry and ventilated before letting them back inside. Safety first—for you and your dog.

Yes, Dog Beds Get Bed Bugs, and Here’s Why It Matters

So, can dog beds get bed bugs? Yes, but the bed isn’t the real problem: it’s a symptom of a larger infestation. Bed bugs go where people go. Your dog’s bed just happens to be nearby.

That’s why washing the pet bed alone isn’t enough. You’ll need to treat your home as a whole. If you find even one bug in your dog’s bedding, call a professional and start cleaning immediately.

And if your dog’s been scratching or seems uncomfortable, schedule a quick vet visit to rule out fleas or allergies. It’s the fastest way to get everyone sleeping soundly again on a bug-free bed.

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