Dogs bite! Despite domestication and despite being dubbed as man's best friends, some people are still intimidated by dogs because these animals are capable attacking people with their sharp teeth and strong 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. Isn't it quite laughable that the "mighty" dog can be affected by the bite of a tiny insect?
Insect bites are particularly common during the summer months. Puppies are most susceptible to insect bites because their energetic and inquisitive nature makes them follow flying insects around. The sting of bees and wasps, of spiders and scorpions can cause the dog immense pain at the site of the bite.
Insect bites would have no effects on some dogs. Aside from the tingling sensation on the bite site, the dog will not be affected at all. Other dogs though would be severely affected and would manifest symptoms 20 minutes after the insect bite. Swelling of the eyes, ear flaps and lips are signs that the dog is allergic to insect bites. In some dogs, insect bites would have an even more dangerous effects. A dog stung by an insect can break out in hives and the whole face could swell. An allergic reaction that causes the face's swelling to extend to the throat is an extremely dangerous condition as the dog will suffer from breathing difficulties because of blocked airway. Unable to breathe, the dog will have an abnormal heartbeat and can even go into shock.
A dog that goes into shock because of an insect bite must be taken to a veterinary facility at once. A dog owner can easily alleviate the pain and other mild reactions associated with the insect bites with the application of first aid treatments. As long as the dog was not stung in the throat or the insect bite has not resulted to the swelling of the throat that will make breathing difficult, some first aid methods can be applied to lessen the pain resulting from 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. The pet's allergic reactions to insect bites can be alleviated with antihistamines.
Insect bites are particularly common during the summer months. Puppies are most susceptible to insect bites because their energetic and inquisitive nature makes them follow flying insects around. The sting of bees and wasps, of spiders and scorpions can cause the dog immense pain at the site of the bite.
Insect bites would have no effects on some dogs. Aside from the tingling sensation on the bite site, the dog will not be affected at all. Other dogs though would be severely affected and would manifest symptoms 20 minutes after the insect bite. Swelling of the eyes, ear flaps and lips are signs that the dog is allergic to insect bites. In some dogs, insect bites would have an even more dangerous effects. A dog stung by an insect can break out in hives and the whole face could swell. An allergic reaction that causes the face's swelling to extend to the throat is an extremely dangerous condition as the dog will suffer from breathing difficulties because of blocked airway. Unable to breathe, the dog will have an abnormal heartbeat and can even go into shock.
A dog that goes into shock because of an insect bite must be taken to a veterinary facility at once. A dog owner can easily alleviate the pain and other mild reactions associated with the insect bites with the application of first aid treatments. As long as the dog was not stung in the throat or the insect bite has not resulted to the swelling of the throat that will make breathing difficult, some first aid methods can be applied to lessen the pain resulting from 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. The pet's allergic reactions to insect bites can be alleviated with antihistamines.
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