Dog owners across the UK have been urged to watch for signs of an issue that is "quite common in dogs during the spring, summer and early autumn". The British veterinary charity PDSA, People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, says insect bites are very common, and if a dog is bitten or stung, it will likely appear around their face or on their paws.
Thankfully, "most stings and bites can be managed at home as long as the signs are mild". However, "some cases are more serious," and the charity warns owners to "contact your vet immediately" if their dog shows any signs of an allergic reaction, or if the dog has been stung several times.
Which insects could bite my dog?
While outside, dogs may come across various insects with the potential to sting or bite, including:
- Bees – bee stings can be very painful, and the stinger may be left behind.
- Wasps – wasp stings can also be very painful; they can sting multiple times but do not leave their stinger behind.
- Ticks – ticks that are removed quickly and carefully are unlikely to cause ongoing problems.
- Mosquitos – mosquito bites don't often cause serious problems in dogs; owners may not even notice the dog has been bitten.
- Ants – ant bites can sometimes cause small red lumps, but don't often cause serious problems.
- Flies – fly bites don't often cause serious problems in dogs; they might appear as red lumps or scabs, and if large, may require saltwater cleaning.
How to tell if my dog has been stung?
Insect stings and bites can be extremely painful. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen on the face and paws. If a dog is stung by a bee, the stinger is usually left behind in the skin. Wasp stings don't leave a stinger, and wasps may sting more than once.
Symptoms of a mild reaction include mild swelling in the affected area, licking, biting or pawing the area, whining and crying, limping or holding up a paw, and drooling.
Just like in humans, some dogs can be allergic to insect bites and stings. Allergic reaction symptoms often include hives or a severe rash, rapid swelling around the affected area, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, collapse, and vomiting and diarrhoea.
The charity warns: "Contact a vet immediately if your dog is showing any signs of an allergic reaction, has a swelling around their face, neck or throat, or if they've been stung several times."
What to do if my dog has been stung?
If a dog shows any signs of an allergic reaction, take them to a vet as soon as possible. If the reaction appears mild, owners can follow these steps:
- Check the area. If a stinger is visible, gently remove it by sliding the edge of a credit card under the venom sac (the small yellow blob) and scraping it out. Do not use tweezers or fingers, as squeezing can push more venom into the dog.
- Put a cold, damp cloth on the area to calm the skin and reduce swelling. An ice pack wrapped in a tea towel can also be used, as long as the dog tolerates it.
- Antihistamines may help reduce swelling, but check with a vet before giving any medicine. The vet can advise on suitability and the correct medication and dose.
- Keep a close eye out for any signs of an allergic reaction (listed above). If any appear, contact the vet immediately.
Home remedies like vinegar for wasp stings, or a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water for bee stings, won't usually do any harm, but they may not ease symptoms as much as people expect.
Allergic reaction or multiple stings
Signs of a severe allergic reaction include rapid swelling – often of the lips, eyes, ears and face – vomiting or diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, and collapse or fainting. Other signs of a less severe allergic reaction include skin rash or bumps, mild swelling elsewhere on the body, drooling, and limping if the legs or feet are affected.
Owners should go to the vet immediately if their pet is struggling to breathe or if swelling in the face, neck or throat is coming on quickly. If possible, call the practice on the way to let them know the owner is coming.
