Detecting insect bites in dogs and treating them correctly
During the warm months of the year, the risk of insect bites increases not only for humans but also for dogs. These are mostly harmless. However, it is quite possible that an insect bite can pose a serious threat to the health of the dog.
You can find out how this is the case below. We will also explain how to recognise an insect bite in your dog and how to treat it properly.
How do you recognise an insect bite on your dog?
If your dog is stung not by an ordinary mosquito, but by a wasp, bee or hornet, you can assume that your four-legged friend will howl loudly.
But of course, it is quite possible that your dog will be stung in your absence and you may not notice the insect bite at first. In the summer, you should therefore always check whether you notice any signs of a bite on your dog.
These include excessive salivation and the conspicuous licking of a certain part of the body. Your dog's sudden limp can also be an indication of an insect bite on the paw.
If you suspect your dog has an insect bite, we recommend that you examine the dog's body for redness and swelling. If it is a bee sting, the insect sting may also be in your dog's skin.
Because of the coat, the search for an insect sting in your dog can sometimes take some time. This is especially true for animals with a very long and thick coat.
Insect bites in the dog's mouth
While insect bites on the body are normally harmless to your dog, they may well pose a serious threat in his mouth, throat or oesophagus.
This is because the poison released during the bite can cause the mucous membranes to swell, causing your dog to have trouble breathing.
If your four-legged friend suddenly chokes and gurgles, this could be a sign of an insect bite in his mouth or throat in the summer months. If this is the case, it is imperative that you act promptly. In the worst case, your dog could even suffocate from an insect bite due to the swelling.
Allergic reactions caused by insect bites in dogs
It is known that some people are allergic to insect bites. However, many owners are unaware that dogs can also be allergic to insect venom and that a bite can sometimes even cause anaphylactic shock.
Depending on how severe the allergy is in your dog, the following symptoms can occur after an insect bite, for example:
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Itching
- Urticaria
- Swelling of the body
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Incontinence
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
- Bluish discolouration of the skin
Tips for external insect bites on dogs
If your dog has been stung by an insect on his body and you don't notice any possible symptoms of an allergic reaction, there is usually no need to worry. In this case, it is sufficient to cool the sting and, if necessary, add some of the juice of an onion.
If your dog was stung by a bee, you will also need to remove the sting from the stinging site. Otherwise, the insect sting may become infected.
Rules of conduct for insect bites in the mouth of the dog
If your dog is stung in the mouth or throat by an insect, this represents a serious risk. First, try cooling the sting with ice cubes or ice cream and also place a cool pack on the outside of your dog's neck.
In this way, you can counteract the expected swelling somewhat. If the biting insect is still in your dog's throat, you can try to remove it.
Since an insect bite can cause your dog's neck to swell considerably, it is always a good idea to see a vet after the initial treatment.
Rules of conduct for insect bites in allergic dogs
If you observe possible signs of an allergic reaction in your dog after an insect bite, it is essential that you go to the vet immediately. Please note that an anaphylactic shock can lead to death in a short period of time, so under no circumstances should you try to treat your dog's insect bite on your own.
How can insect bites be avoided?
It probably goes without saying that insect bites cannot be completely avoided in humans or dogs. Nevertheless, there are some things you can do to at least significantly reduce the risk to your dog.
You can reduce the likelihood of insect bites in your dog with the following measures:
- Take care not to leave food open for long periods in summer.
- Regularly check whether insects have settled in your dog's drinking bowl.
- Remove any wasps' nests in your garden as soon as possible.
- Stop your dog immediately if they snap at insects with their mouth.
- Avoid letting your four-legged friend catch dog treats with their mouth so as not to further increase his interest in insects.
If you know that insect bites cause allergic reactions in your dog, ask your vet for emergency medication which you can administer to your four-legged friend yourself if necessary.
This is particularly important because the allergic reaction to the next insect bite can be much stronger. In this case, the prompt administration of an emergency medication may even save your dog's life.
Our conclusion on the subject of insect bites in dogs
As you can see, insect bites for dogs are often completely harmless. However, if your pet has an allergic reaction or is bitten in its mouth or throat, this may not be the case.
If you notice any signs of respiratory distress or symptoms indicating an allergic reaction in your dog after an insect bite, an immediate visit to the vet is essential.
Regardless of this, we recommend that you follow the preventive measures mentioned above and, with a bit of luck, avoid insect bites on your dog from the outset.
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