Insect bites and stings on dogs

Overview

While the great outdoors can mean great fun for your dog, there is always the chance of getting stung by bees, hornets, wasps and other insects. Luckily the bites of these bugs are seldom dangerous, but they may cause pain and swelling. Curious puppies are even more likely to get bitten or stung.

Bee stings

If your dog has been stung by a bee, you will need to remove the stinger. The site of the bite will probably be red and swollen, and if you look closely you will find the splinter-like stinger. Scrape the stinger out with your fingernail or a credit card. Do not squeeze the stinger or use tweezers, as you do not want to inject more venom. Bathe the area with a weak solution of baking soda and water, and apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling and dull the pain. Apply the cold compress frequently for at least five minutes at a time. You can also use a dab of milk of magnesia or a thin layer of aloe vera to calm the irritated skin; these methods work for wasp and hornet stings too.

Other insect bites and stings

Although poisonous spiders have a hard time biting through the coat of dogs with thick fur, dogs with short hair who live in tropical and desert climates are susceptible to spider and scorpion bites. The venom injected via these bites can be very dangerous to your dog and requires immediate veterinary attention. Describe as best as possible the type of creature that bit your dog, correct identification will help your veterinarian diagnose and successfully treat the bite.

Allergic reactions

Some dogs may have serious allergic reactions to insect bites. And because most dogs get bitten around their faces and mouth, any pronounced swelling can interfere with your dog's ability to breathe. If your dog seems unsteady and disoriented, has trouble breathing, or if the affected area swells up just minutes after he is bitten, don't waste any time -- get to the veterinarian immediately!