Insect stings and bites are not only a nuisance for us humans; they are a pesky problem for our pets too. The summer months prove to be where we see the most instances of insect stings or bites. The fur on dogs and cats offers some protection from stings and bites, although fur can also keep bites and stings hidden from your view. Paws, tummies with minimal fur, and mouths are at a greater risk for bug bites.
Steps for Treating Insect Bites or Stings on Your Pet At Home
1. Foreign Objects - Bees can occasionally leave behind the stinger, which may continue to pump venom into your pet’s skin. Use the edge of a credit card or similar rigid tool to scrape it free from your pet.
2. Swelling - A cold pack or compress applied to an insect bite or sting on your pet helps reduce the swelling. A bag of frozen peas or corn works well, and molds against the pet’s body. Always have a protective layer, such as a towel, between the ice and your dog or cat’s skin/fur.
3. Baking Soda Paste - A baking soda and water paste works great to soothe the bug bite or sting, but it can be messy when applied to fur so use only on exposed tummies of dogs and cats. Some bug bite products aimed at children will have baking soda as the active ingredient and are safe to use topically.
4. Hydrocortisone Cream - Over the counter hydrocortisone creams used on dogs and cats can help reduce the itch and redness associated with insect stings and bites. While not harmful if licked or ingested in small quantities, it won’t be able to do its job! Try to prevent licking in order for it to be the most effective for your pet.
5. Antihistamine Cream - Over the counter topical antihistamine creams, such as Benadryl, can help reduce the histamine release responsible for itching and swelling post-insect bite.
6. No Ammonia - Avoid using over-the-counter bug-bite products with the active ingredient Ammonia. This can be corrosive and absorbed through the skin, causing systemic issues. You can also see respiratory irritation in animals from inhalation of these products.
7. No Zinc - Avoid calamine lotion for bug bites because it contains zinc, which can be toxic if consumed by dogs and cats.
8. Oral Stings - For stings inside your pet’s mouth, offer ice cubes or ice water for the pet to lick and drink. It’s also important to note that oral insect stings carry an increased risk for swelling around the airways, and careful monitoring is important to ensure your dog or cat is breathing properly.
9. Don’t Panic - As long as your dog continues to breathe with no problem, a veterinary visit for a bug bite may not be necessary even if the face swells a bit. Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine, counters swelling and itching. Keep in mind that this over-the-counter medication also causes drowsiness as a side effect. A safe dose is one milligram for every pound your pet weighs. A 50-pound dog would need 50mg, for example.
10. Prevention - Prevention is worth a pound of cure! There are pet safe insect repellents that can help keep some bugs away. Not all human bug repellents are safe for dogs, so be sure to ask your veterinarian which are safe to use before you apply.
How Do I Know When an Emergency Vet Visit is Necessary for Pet Bug Bites?
Like people, dogs and cats can sometimes suffer severe anaphylactic allergic reactions when stung or bitten by insects. An anaphylactic reaction usually occurs within 20 minutes of the sting. This causes a pet’s face most commonly to swell. It can be very noticeable on the muzzle, lips, and around the eyes.
Anaphylactic Shock in Pets
Anaphylactic shock requires immediate veterinary treatment as a dog or cat can die without professional medical intervention.
Please take your dog or cat to a veterinarian if they exhibit any or all of these signs of an anaphylactic reaction after a bug bite or sting:
Swelling in Pets
Swelling that includes the throat and airways can be life-threatening, as it can cause respiratory distress to your pet.
Most insect bites and stings can be easily treated. However, knowing when to contact a veterinarian is important. If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health following an encounter with an insect, call your veterinarian right away.
Pet insurance from Pets Best can provide peace of mind in the event your pet does require veterinary attention due to an insect bite or sting. Plans offer optional coverage levels that can reimburse you for things like emergency vet visits and more. Plus, every Pets Best policy comes with access to a 24/7 pet helpline!*
*Terms and conditions apply. See policy for details