Battle with a bug

Joseph A. D’Abbraccio, D.V.M.
Posted 8/21/12

Pets in general can be quite mischievous and inquisitive. Dogs are a very good example of this. Because they find insects interesting, they frequently stick their noses in bushes and flowerbeds to …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Battle with a bug

Posted

Pets in general can be quite mischievous and inquisitive. Dogs are a very good example of this. Because they find insects interesting, they frequently stick their noses in bushes and flowerbeds to investigate. The result is that they are often stung on their nose or face. The stings of bees, wasps and hornets as well as bites from ants and spiders can cause great trouble for your dog.

Insect venom causes a variety of problems ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening shock. Prompt action may help in alleviating some of these reactions. The most important thing to consider is that first aid is crucial at the time of an incident, but prompt and thorough medical attention is just as important if not more so.

What do I do when a bug stings my dog?

• Be quick to recognize if your dog is suddenly pawing at its face, licking its paw, or a body part begins to swell. In these cases, you should suspect an insect bite.

• Identify the insect if possible (without causing harm to yourself)

• In the case of a bee sting, look for the stinger. Bees are the only insects that leave their stingers in their victims. The stingers continue to secrete venom, so removing them may reduce the amount of toxin exposure. To remove the stinger uses a credit card to scrape over the area to flick it off. DO NOT USE TWEEZERS. They can cause more of the venom to be absorbed.

• Soothe bite sites by making a thick paste of baking soda and water. If there are multiple bites/stings, a soothing oatmeal bath may also help.

• Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes to reduce swelling. A bag of frozen peas serves as a very handy ice pack for individual bites. You can also use a cooled towel for large areas.

• Prevent allergic reaction by giving oral antihistamine (diphenhydramine). Be sure to contact your family veterinarian for proper dosing prior to giving any medications.

Like people, some dogs develop hypersensitivity, becoming severely allergic to insect stings or bites. The degree of reaction varies depending on the dog’s immune system and the bites or stings. Allergic reactions usually occur within 20 minutes of the bite but may be delayed for hours.

It is very important to take your dog promptly to the veterinary hospital or nearest emergency clinic at the first signs of:

• Severe swelling around the head and neck

• Hives on any part of the body. (Hives appear as bumps under the skin that raise the hair.)

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Seizures

Urgent attention at home and by a veterinarian is very important to ensure a fast recovery of your dog. In addition to antihistamines, your veterinarian may give your dog corticosteroids or epinephrine to address allergic shock. In some cases, the doctor may administer IV fluid to stabilize your pet as well as provide oxygen to aid in breathing. Some blood tests may need to be performed to assess organ function. The length of hospitalization stay depends on how quickly your dog responds to therapy, but hospital visits can last one to two days.

In summary, if your pet is exposed to an insect sting or bite be sure to get veterinary attention quickly.

[Contact Dr. D’Abbraccio at www.facebook.com/CatskillVeterinaryServices, www.catskillvetservices.com, or jdabbracciodvm@icloud.com.]

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here