What to Do with Insect Bites on a Dog

Your dog is scratching and you see a little red mark on his skin. Or maybe it’s a bump. Oh, it looks like it’s fading, but wait, is it spreading? When your dog is stung or bitten by an insect, it can look different each time. So, how exactly do you identify if your dog was bitten or stung by an insect? Let’s discuss bug bites on dogs and ways to help your furry friend, and when to see an emergency veterinarian at VEG ER for pets.

 

THREE WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR DOG HAS AN INSECT BITE

If you recognize any of these signs of an insect bite on your dog, you can act quickly to relieve any discomfort your pooch may have.

1. Visible signs of an insect bite on a dog

The most obvious way to tell if your dog was stung or bitten by a bug is simply by looking. You might see visible signs of your dog’s bite or sting just like you would on a human’s skin.

Some visible signs of an insect bite on a dog include:

• Redness around the area that was bitten
• Skin that is hot to the touch
• Swelling

2. Your dog is scratching excessively

You notice your dog is nipping at his or herself and scratching like a fiend. A bug bite may be the culprit. Your dog may be very itchy and could develop hives if he was bitten and is allergic to the insect bite.

3. Your dog is making vocal sounds

Another sign that could indicate if your dog has an insect bite is that he may howl, whine, or make other vocal sounds to let you know something is wrong.

AT-HOME TREATMENT FOR INSECT BITES ON A DOG

Now that you’ve recognized some signs of insect bites, here’s what you can do at home for your dog. But first, always pay attention to symptoms and how your dog is behaving after a sting or bite. If you notice your dog having trouble breathing, collapsing, having seizures, vomiting, or having diarrhea, these are signs of anaphylactic shock and require immediate vet care. Call your nearest VEG and let us know you’re coming in.

STEPS FOR TREATING INSECT BITES ON DOGS

Here’s the good news: some insect bites have the potential to heal on their own without any treatment at all. However, you can help the bites heal faster and keep your dog comfortable at the same time by following these guidelines for caring for an insect bite on a dog:

CHECK FOR A STINGER IN THE WOUND

If you find a stinger in your dog’s bite wound, it has to be removed. Don’t use tweezers, as this can eject more venom into your dog’s body. Instead, use something thin and stiff like a credit card to work the stinger to the surface of the skin and then pull it out by hand very gently.

REDUCE SWELLING: USE A COLD COMPRESS

You notice that little lump is getting bigger by the minute. It’s time to mitigate the swelling at the site. Use a cold-water compress or an ice pack to help soothe your dog. Do not apply ice directly, as this can cause damage to your dog’s skin. Place a protective barrier between the ice and your dog’s skin. 

SALVE THE IRRITATION: APPLY PASTE OF BAKING SODA AND WATER TO THE WOUND

Make a paste of baking soda with a little water and apply it to the sting or bite. 

Do not use over-the-counter human ointments unless specifically told to do so by your vet. Hydrocortisone may be safe for dogs, but it isn’t safe for every dog.

Call VEG or your vet if you want to find out whether or not your dog can use this type of paste to soothe their insect bite.

GIVE YOUR DOG AN OATMEAL BATH

Ahhh, an oatmeal bath may just do the trick! Especially if there are multiple bites or stings, try giving your dog an oatmeal bath. As long as baths don’t over-stress your dog, this can be soothing and help heal the bites at the same time.

APPLY ALOE VERA GEL TO THE BITE

When used correctly, aloe vera can be safe to use on dogs. However, do not let your dog eat the leaves, as it can be toxic. Apply a light coating of the aloe vera gel to the site of the bite but make sure your dog doesn’t lick it off. Let it soak into the skin.

ASK YOUR VET ABOUT OVER-THE-COUNTER ANTI-ITCH CREAM

Some dogs may be able to take over-the-counter human ointments like Benadryl. As with hydrocortisone cream, however, not all dogs can safely use this medication.

Your primary care vet knows your dog best, so call your vet and ask whether or not it’s safe for your dog to use an over-the-counter product like Benadryl for an insect bite, and if so, how much to give.

WHEN TO GO TO THE VET FOR INSECT BITES ON DOGS

Use your best judgment in any insect bite situation. If your dog is in need of immediate vet care, you will need a skilled emergency vet to treat him. Get to VEG. We’re open 24/7 for veterinary urgent care and emergency situations. 

Below are some reasons you should take your dog to the vet after an insect bite:

1. This is your dog’s first insect bite

Feeling like you’re overreacting? Some bug bites are serious and can put your dog at risk. Instead of waiting it out, we recommend going to the vet, especially if this is the first time your dog has ever been bitten or stung by an insect. Since you don’t know how your dog may react, it’s important to have a primary care vet or emergency vet check him out for signs of distress or other problems.

2. Your dog shows signs of anaphylaxis

Go to the vet if your dog is showing any classic symptoms of anaphylaxis.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis in dogs include:

• Collapsing
• Diarrhea
• Panting
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Wheezing
• Labored breathing or other signs of respiratory distress

These signs usually occur within ten minutes of an insect bite or sting and are often accompanied by other less severe symptoms as well. Do not wait. An acute hypersensitivity reaction is life threatening.

3. Your dog has a history of anaphylaxis

If your dog has previously suffered an anaphylactic reaction to a bite, sting, or other irritant, be sure to get to VEG for emergency treatment if bitten or stung again. It’s possible that the same reaction can occur, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

4. Your dog was bitten by a dangerous spider

If you think your dog’s insect bite came from a dangerous spider, medical treatment is crucial and time is of the essence.

Some spider bites are very dangerous to dogs, so it’s important to have a VEG emergency veterinarian check your dog out and administer appropriate treatment for the spider bite.

GET HELP FOR INSECT BITES ON A DOG

Some insect bites can be harmless, but it’s important to pay attention to your dog and be sure he’s healing and recovering as he should. If you’re not sure of what to do next, it’s always best to consult with one of our veterinarians as soon as possible. When you call VEG, one of our experienced ER vets will answer your questions. 

Sometimes signs and symptoms of a bug bite on a dog don’t show right away, but take comfort that VEG is open 24 hours a day. Call first or just come right in and we’ll triage your dog immediately. You’ll stay with your pet the entire time to help make a scary situation less stressful for you both!