Insect bites and stings on a dog

How to treat insect bites

1. Inspect the dog. Are they single or are there many stings?
2. Remove any sting and wash clean.
3. Wear a collar if the dog scratches or licks the area.
4. Keep your dog under supervision for the near future. Does the dog have pale mucous membranes?
5. Contact a vet if the dog seems negatively affected.

There are many insects that can cause bites or stings. The ones that usually cause problems for dogs are bees, wasps, ground wasps, bumblebees, ants, gnats and mosquitoes. Most stings or bites can cause discomfort to a dog in the form of burning pain, redness, swelling or local pain - just like in humans.

Some dogs are hypersensitive

Some dogs may be hypersensitive to insect bites and may have an allergic reaction. As a rule, you can say - the more stings, the greater the risk of a strong reaction in the dog. If your dog gets an allergic shock and becomes generally affected - contact a vet.

Thin-furred dogs may need extra protection

Thin-furred dogs may need extra protection against insect bites. The most exposed areas are often the face, the inside of the legs and the stomach. Insect repellent from the pharmacy or a thin coat of clothing can help the dog. But perhaps the easiest is still to keep the dog indoors when there are a lot of insects.

If a dog is stung in the oral cavity or throat

If your dog is stung in the oral cavity or throat, your dog is more likely to become ill. The mucous membranes in the airways can then swell and the dog may have difficulty breathing. Always contact a veterinarian if it happens to your dog.

How to relieve insect bites in your dog

Relieve insect bites in your dog by cleaning the bite and possibly applying an anti-itch cream or a mild cortisone cream. Depending on where the bite is located, it may be appropriate to use a collar on your dog so that it does not reach and itch.

Wasp stings on dogs are usually harmless

In the vast majority of cases, a single wasp or bee sting is harmless to a dog. The dog may get a local redness or swell a little at the puncture site without there being any danger. It can also get a little sore at the sting site for a few hours. In rare cases, the dog may have an allergic reaction and if it becomes severe, a vet needs to be consulted.

Dogs can get mosquito bites and gnat bites

Gnat and mosquito bites are rarely dangerous to a dog, but can be troublesome. Some dogs are more sensitive than others to gnat and mosquito bites and can have allergic reactions. Insect repellent against flies and mosquitoes is available at pharmacies.

Ticks

Some ticks can infect the dog with anaplasm and Lyme disease. Search your dog's fur daily and remove the tick immediately. Symptoms of tick-transmitted diseases can include lameness, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and unwillingness to move. Treat the dog preventively with a tick repellent.