Some people are afraid of dogs because these animals bit! Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years but people are still intimidated by the dog’s needle sharp teeth and sharp jaws. The threat of rabies was eliminated with ongoing vaccination programs but dogs are still feared because the injuries that can be caused by their bites. Considering the size of insects as compared to the size of dogs, isn’t it quite amusing to think that dogs can be affected by insect bites?

Dogs commonly get bitten by insects during the summer months. Puppies are most susceptible to insect bites because their energetic and inquisitive nature makes them follow flying insects around. A dog’s body part stung by an wasp or a bee or bitten by a scorpion or a spider will be very painful.

Some dogs are tolerant of the insect bites. Aside from the tingling sensation on the bite site, the dog will not be affected at all. Some dogs though would start showing insect bite symptoms about 20 minutes after the bite. Swelling of the eyes, ear flaps and lips are signs that the dog is allergic to insect bites. Some dogs would manifest violent reaction to insect bites. The entire face would swell and the pet can shiver and break out in hives. A more dangerous reaction to insect bites is when the swelling of the face extends to the throat making breathing difficult because of blocked airway. Unable to breathe, the dog will have an abnormal heartbeat and can even go into shock.

Immediate medical attention is imperative for a dog that goes into shock because of an insect bite. A dog owner can easily alleviate the pain and other mild reactions associated with the insect bites with the application of first aid treatments. First aid treatments would be sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of insect bite as long as the pet was not stung in the throat and that airway blockage is not one of the allergic reaction to the insect bite.

If the dog was stung by a bee or a wasp, the stinger can be removed with tweezers and the bite area washed with saline solution. Warm compress or a paste made from water and baking soda applied in the sting area will ease the pain as the toxin is drawn out and the swelling reduced. Dogs are susceptible to allergic reactions thus it is the responsibility of the dog owner to have Benadry or other antihistamines in the first aid kit to be able to administer emergency care to the pet. Antihistamins are medications that can be safely given to the pet for allergic reactions.

At Sarah’s Dogs you can learn more about insect bites as well as first aid for dogs.