At Dan’s Pet Care, we take ticks very seriously. That’s because their bites sometimes carry diseases that can impact your dog for the rest of their life. But even if your pet is taking preventatives for flea and tick protection, they can get bitten by other insects. The more time your dog spends outdoors, the more likely it is that you’ll be dealing with bug bites from time to time.

It can be scary when your dog gets an insect bite. The good news is that most insect bites will only cause mild symptoms in dogs. But whether your dog is suffering from a life-threatening reaction or a little discomfort, it’s important to know what to do when insects strike. In this article, we’ll explore a few common insect bites your dog might encounter. We’ll also discuss how you can help when your dog gets bitten.

Mosquitoes

If you’re getting bitten by mosquitoes, your dog probably is too. Just like you, your dog may experience itching and red, raised welts when they’re bitten by a mosquito. This irritation tends to pass fairly quickly in dogs. However, the biggest concern is that mosquitoes often carry tiny heartworms that can cause serious illness or death.

How can you protect your dog from mosquitoes? Pet-friendly insect repellents and nets are a great way to start. Be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations when it comes to heartworm testing, too.

Stinging insects - Dog bee stings

When your dog gets stung by a bee or wasp, they’ll probably let you know right away. These bugs’ stings can cause serious pain for humans, and the same goes for dogs. Monitor your pet carefully, and if you can see the stinger in their skin, remove it by scraping it with a card. If you see any signs of serious allergic reaction,seek medical care immediately.

Being stung by a bee, wasp, hornet, or other bugs can be a painful experience for your dog. In most cases, the sting will cause localized swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the sting. Your dog may also show signs of discomfort such as whimpering, licking, or scratching the affected area.

If your dog is stung by a bee or wasp, it's important to remain calm and take the following steps:

1. Remove the stinger: If you can see the stinger embedded in your dog's skin, carefully remove it using a pair of tweezers or scrape it off with a card. Be careful not to squeeze the stinger, as this can release more venom.

2. Apply a cold compress: Use a clean cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel to apply a cold compress to the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

3. Monitor for signs of an allergic reaction: Some dogs may have a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, known as anaphylaxis. Watch for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, excessive swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or collapse. If your dog shows any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary care.

4. Provide comfort: Offer your dog comfort and reassurance during this time. Keep them calm and try to distract them from the discomfort by engaging in their favorite activities or offering treats.

It's important to note that multiple stings or stings in sensitive areas such as the mouth, throat, or eyes can be more serious and may require immediate veterinary attention. If you're unsure about the severity of your dog's reaction or if they have been stung multiple times, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your dog from insect bites. Avoid areas with high insect activity, especially during peak mosquito or wasp seasons. Keep your dog on a leash and supervise them closely when outdoors. Additionally, consider using pet-friendly insect repellents or clothing designed to protect against insects.

Remember, if you're ever unsure or concerned about your dog's health after an insect bite, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance and advice.

Ants bites on dog

Your dog is closer to the ground than you are, so they can be more likely to get bitten by ants. Most ant bites cause temporary discomfort, but it’s important to watch your dog for signs of a serious reaction. Move your dog to an area away from the ants, and ask your vet whether giving your pet Benadryl is a good choice. If your dog has been bitten by fire ants, you will probably need to pick them off by hand (be sure to wear gloves). 

Spider dog bites

Fortunately, most spider bites are harmless to your dog. They may cause some skin irritation and a little pain, but they don’t pose any lasting health hazards. However, venomous spiders can be lethal to pets. If your pet is bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, they’ll likely need medical treatment right away.

Being bitten or stung by a spider can be a painful experience for your dog. Most spider bites will cause localized swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the bite. Your dog may also show signs of discomfort such as whimpering, licking, or scratching the affected area.

In most cases, spider bites are harmless and will resolve on their own with time. However, it's important to be aware of venomous spiders and their potential dangers to your dog. Two common venomous spiders in the United States are the black widow and the brown recluse spider.

If your dog is bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. These spiders can cause severe symptoms and even be lethal to pets. Signs of a venomous spider bite may include:

• Intense pain at the site of the bite

• Swelling and redness that spreads beyond the bite area

• Muscle pain or cramping

• Difficulty breathing

• Weakness or paralysis

• Tremors or seizures

If you suspect your dog has been bitten by a venomous spider, do not attempt to treat the bite at home. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic right away for guidance and immediate medical attention.

To prevent spider bites, it's important to keep your dog away from areas where spiders may be present, such as woodpiles, dark corners, or areas with tall grass. Regularly inspect your dog's bedding and living areas for signs of spiders or other insects. If you live in an area known for venomous spiders, consider using pet-friendly insect repellents or consulting with a professional pest control service for preventive measures.

Remember, if you're ever unsure or concerned about your dog's health after a spider bite, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance and advice.

It’s best to call your vet right away when spider bites occur. Try to identify the spider that bit your dog (or even better, kill it and collect the specimen in case your vet needs it).

Mites and mange in dogs

Mites are small parasites that can infest your dog's skin and fur, causing a condition known as mange. There are different types of mites that can affect dogs, including sarcoptic mange mites, demodectic mange mites, and ear mites.

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is highly contagious and can be transmitted to other animals and even humans. It causes intense itching, hair loss, redness, and crusty lesions on the skin. If you suspect your dog has sarcoptic mange, it's important to isolate them from other pets and seek veterinary treatment immediately. Your vet may prescribe medications such as antiparasitic dips, oral medications, or spot-on treatments to eliminate the mites.

Demodectic mange, also known as demodicosis, is caused by an overgrowth of demodectic mites that are normally present on dogs' skin. This type of mange is not contagious and is more commonly seen in puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems. Demodectic mange typically causes localized hair loss, redness, and scaly skin. In some cases, it can progress to generalized demodicosis, which affects larger areas of the body. Treatment for demodectic mange may involve medicated shampoos, oral medications, or topical treatments, depending on the severity of the infestation.

Ear mites are a common type of mite that infest the ears of dogs. They can cause intense itching, head shaking, ear discharge, and inflammation of the ear canal. Ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread to other pets in the household. Treatment for ear mites involves cleaning the ears and using specific ear medications prescribed by your vet.

If you suspect your dog has mites, it's important to consult with your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your vet may perform skin scrapings or other diagnostic tests to identify the type of mites and determine the best course of action.

In addition to veterinary treatment, there are some steps you can take to help prevent mite infestations in your dog. Regularly grooming your dog and keeping their living areas clean can help reduce the risk of mites. It's also important to maintain your dog's overall health and immune system through proper nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups.

Remember, if you're ever unsure or concerned about your dog's health after a mite infestation, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance and advice.

In Summary: Insect bites and stings on Dogs

While most insect bites are relatively harmless to dogs, it’s always best to call your vet and ask for advice right away. This is especially true if you see any signs of a serious reaction in your dog, such as:

• Hives

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden behavior changes

• Swollen face, eyes or throat

• Losing consciousness

• GI upset

If your dog appears seriously ill and your regular veterinarian is unavailable, an emergency vet can diagnose and treat your dog during a crisis.

Never use human bug bite remedies without your vet’s approval. Not all of them are safe for dogs. In most cases, applying ice is a safe way to alleviate discomfort after a bug bite. But you’ll need to be careful when helping your dog. They might never bite under normal circumstances, they can become aggressive when in pain. Always handle your pet with caution after a bug bite.

Dan’s Pet Care: We’re Here When You Need Us

The specialists at Dan’s Pet Care are fully licensed and trained, and they’ve got plenty of knowledge and expertise to share. We offer a full array of pet care services on Long Island and the surrounding areas, and we pour our passion for pets into everything we do. Call us today at (516) 551-1613 or fill out our online contact form!