what to know about bug bites, bee stings, and pets

When the weather starts warming up in the spring, the bugs come crawling…or jumping…or buzzing. And that means dogs or cats that are spending more time outside are likely to interact with them.

Typically, pets and bugs pass by each other without a problem, but once in a while our furry friends might get bit or stung. It’s important to know what to do in case this happens.  
 

Fleas

Fleas, cats, and dogs are no strangers to one another, which is why we recommend flea control. These nasty little insects can cause a slew of issues for your pet, including itching, allergic reactions, tapeworms, and anemia from the fleas feasting on their blood.

Even if you have your pet on flea control medication, it’s still a good idea to regularly check their skin and coat for the little buggers.  
 
You can use your hand or a flea comb to search in areas where fleas like to hide — neck, ears, armpits, groin, and hindquarters. If you spot any fleas, itchy red bumps, or flea poop (little black specks that turn red when wet), call your veterinarian to discuss treatment options. Need help looking for fleas? Check out our helpful video. 
 

Ticks

Ticks are another common bug dogs and cats regularly have to deal with and can cause a variety of dangerous diseases in pets, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, tularemia, and even tick paralysis.  
 
Common symptoms of a tick-borne illness include fever, joint swelling, loss of appetite, lameness, lethargy, digestive upset, and weakness that may lead to paralysis. Another reason why you don’t want ticks hanging around your dog or cat? The ticks can bite you and transfer disease too! Learn more about tick control and prevention. 
 

Mosquitoes

The dreaded mosquito — one of the most annoying pests in the world. And they’re expert at carrying diseases and transferring them to animals and humans. Mosquito control is recommended for dogs and cats because the little buggers can carry heartworm, a potentially deadly disease.  
 
If your dog or cat is infected with a heartworm, that worm can mature, multiply, and clog your dog’s arteries and blood flow to organs, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, or lethargy.

It’s safer (and cheaper) to protect your pet instead of treating them after the fact. PS: Some species, like cats, often don’t show clinical signs until heartworm disease becomes fatal, so definitely get your cat prevention treatment. Learn more about heartworm disease here.  
 

Spiders

There are over 50,000 different spider species in the world, with only a small number of them being highly toxic to animals or humans. However, a couple of those species exist in America, such as the brown recluse and the black widow.

Brown recluses are generally found in the warmer parts of America, such as the South and south central Midwest, while black widows are widespread but still more common in the South and Western parts of the country.  
 
If you think a brown recluse or black widow has bitten your dog or cat, contact your veterinarian immediately or drive your pet to the closest veterinary hospital. Both bites can be lethal to dogs or cats, so time is of the essence.  
 
Symptoms of a brown recluse bite include fever, lethargy, vomiting, weakness, a bull’s-eye red area on the skin, and necrotic tissue around the bite site. For a black widow bite, keep an eye out for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle spasms, pain, trouble breathing, agitation, and elevated heart rate or blood pressure.  
 
Often with spider bites, all you’ll notice is the rapid onset of swelling. In cats, you’ll see this swelling in their paws, which they often use to play with spiders they find. Dogs often have similar problems with their nose. 
 

Ants

While ant bites are typically not dangerous for dogs or cats, they can still be a pain in the butt…or leg…or paw. Symptoms of ant bites typically include skin irritation, swelling, or lameness, and will usually go away on their own. In rare instances, a dog or cat may experience a severe allergic reaction and require medical care.  
 

Bee sting

If you have a dog, you’re probably no stranger to them getting stung by a bee. A lot of dogs love chasing after these fuzzy little flying creatures. Typically, a bee sting is not reason for concern, but once in a while it can cause major issues for your pet.

Symptoms to look out for after your pet is stung by a bee include difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, or weakness. If your pet is showing any of these signs, please contact a veterinarian immediately.