Dogs are undeniably playful animals that love to sniff and explore unusual places such as below ledges, under trash bins and even corners of your shed and porches. Unfortunately, these places they love to sniff and visit are often homes to an array of insects which will not hesitate to bite your pet dog. Sometimes, you may find a single insect bite, but most of the time, you might come across numerous bites that your pet can suffer from. Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies and have severe reactions to insect bites. Recognizing insect bites and stings, as well as their symptoms is important so that you can have your pet properly treated as well as your property.
The Different Reactions To Insect Bites And Stings
Mild – Mild reactions to insect bites and stings are similar to reactions your dog can get after a vaccination. Your pet may experience sluggishness, loss of appetite and even fever. Immediate medical treatment is not always necessary, but relief from pain, mild swelling or itchiness will sometimes be required to keep your pet comfortable.
Moderate – Moderate vascular reactions also known as urticaria can be identified on the skin by hives, along with rapid swelling and redness of the lips, neck and around the eyes. It is very uncomfortable due to the itchiness and it isalso dangerous as it can progress to anaphylaxis which is fatal. This is a common reaction with pet dogs with poor immune systems.
Severe – Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction which is a sudden severe allergic response that leads to breathing difficulties, fainting and death. Symptoms of severe reactions occur within a few minutes of being bitten or stung and these are diarrhea, vomiting, staggering, decrease in blood pressure, larynx swelling, seizures and fainting, which can all become fatal.
Insects That Can Bite Your Pet
Bees, wasps, hornets and ants can sting and bite your dog most especially if it has the liberty to roam outdoors. The most common places for you to look for the wounds are on the head, belly, and face and around the mouth. Symptoms will often show within 20 minutes of the bite or sting and mild to severe symptoms can show after 12 to 24 hours. Most of the time, the insect bites and stings can result in pain and inflammation that can subside within an hour. In cases where wasps and bees sting your pet, you can expect redness and the sting wound will feel hot to the touch. Remember that you must not pull out the stinger with your fingers,nails or tweezers, as it can cause the stinger to eject more venom into the wound. In order to remove the stinger, you can simply scrape it off.
The common pests that can bite your dog are fleas and ticks. These tiny pests can attach themselves onto your pet’s skin and suck blood until they are full. Unfortunately, they are also known to transmit deadly diseases. These diseases can also be transmitted onto you when you are bitten and fed on by fleas and ticks. Spiders often bite dogs, but only a few spider species have venom which can cause serious consequences.
Here are symptoms you can expect when your pet dog is bitten or stung:
- Swelling on eyelids and ear flaps
- Swelling on lips and/or entire face
- Trembling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Complications in breathing
- Hives – Itchy and anaphylactic
- Weakness
- Increased Heart Rate
- Fever leading to Shock
- Wheezing
- Weak pulse
- Unconsciousness
Home Treatments
Here are a few home treatments you can use to provide relief for your pet dog when bitten by insects. Bear in mind that these may only work for mild reactions. For moderate and severe reactions, medical attention by a professional is essential. After seeking medical attention or applying home treatments on your pet dog, have your house and garden treated by a professional that offers a three barrier system in their pest control services to ensure that pest infestation is prevented in the future.
- Aloe vera gel can help soothe pain and any burning sensations.
- A paste of baking soda and water can be applied on bumps and sores until they recede.
- A diluted solution of baking soda and water can be used to clean a sting wound. A cold pack can then be used to reduce the pain and swelling.
- Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream can be applied several times a day to ease the irritation.
- Oatmeal can provide relief and irritation from bites, bumps and sores.
- Witch hazel can be used to treat hot spots on skin.
- A solution of Epsom salt and warm water can be used to bathe your dog to treat irritation and itchy paws and skin.
Valerie Williams is a freelance writer specializing in natural methods of pest control. She regularly contributes articles to Preventive pest control websites that offer various pest control services.
