What pet owners need to know about canines and insect bites
With spring just around the corner, dog owners are probably looking forward to long walks in the nice weather with their canine companions. While more exercise and time outside is always beneficial for dogs, there are certain dangers that come with the new season, including potential insect bites.
There are a number of biting insects with saliva that can be irritating or poisonous to dogs, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. While fleas and ticks may be the most common, pet owners need to be on the look out for spiders, bees and other bugs that could cause health problems for a canine. If a pet owner suspects their dog has been bitten by an insect, it's best to take them to a veterinarian right away.
Clinical signs of insect bites include swelling and redness at the site of the bite, raised bumps or hives on the body, a swollen face or muzzle, vomiting and difficulty breathing. If a canine is allergic to a certain bug, they may suffer from anaphylactic shock, which could mean they will need dog shots immediately. While a severe allergic reaction can be very dangerous, in most cases the prognosis for bug bites in dogs is very good, VCA reports.
