DOG BITES AND STINGS

Dog bites occur mostly around the neck, face, ears and chest. Skin punctures from other dogs teeth look clean but there can be a lot of soft tissue damage under the skin. Bites, stings and injuries from insects and venomous animals are often almost impossible to see and need specific treatment. Contact your vet if the dog shows signs of agitation.

Nutrition is important for a healthy dog and free dog food samples are available for your dog to try.
 
Poisonous spiders cannot penetrate the dog's coat so the dog is unlikely to be bitten. Puppies are affected by bites and stings particularly between the toes. If they are bitten, apply a cold compress to the spot and take the puppy to the vet.

If your dog is suffering pain after swimming in the sea, he may have been stung by a jellyfish or anemone. Ammonia diluted one part to ten of water applied to the spot will help and take your dog to the vet.

 
  Dog Bites

Stopping a dog fight is a risky business because you could easily get bitten. If you have a hosepipe handy or even a bucket of water, this might stop them. Allow your dog time to get over the fight and relax before you examine him. If the skin is punctured, cut the hair carefully away from the wound and go to your vet for antibiotic medication and if necessary, he can stitch the wound. Lacerated skin will respond to an antiseptic cream and may suffer bruising.

Insect stings

Swelling is caused by wasp and hornet stings and those dogs that are allergic, can suffer badly. Urgent veterinary treatment is necessary if there is severe swelling to the mouth or throat.

Bees always leave their sting embedded in the skin. Remove the sting with tweezers and an ice pack will reduce the swelling.

 

If you are looking for dog bites and stings, the following links may also be of interest to you: See also: puppy house training, puppy discipline, canine cognitive disorder, dog muscle, joint and bone problems, dog skin and coat problems, dog parasites, dog eye problems, dog ear problems, dog respiratory problems, dog digestive problems, dog internal parasites, dog mouth and teeth problems, dog urinary problems and dog emergencies.

 

Snake bites

Mostly, you will not see your dog bitten by the snake.  If you know there are poisonous snakes in the area and your dog is trembling, excited, drooling or vomiting, has dilated pupils of has collapsed, you can be reasonably sure he has been bitten by a snake. There will be lots of swelling and you may see the two puncture marks, the venomous  bite, usually around the head or on the legs. Do not try to suck out the poison or cut into the wound because this will only increase the spread of the poison. Apply an ice pack to the wound to slow down the poison spreading. If the dog has been bitten on the leg, wrap the leg loosely with a bandage and ice pack and get to the vet as soon as possible, for an anti venom treatment.

Toad and Caterpillar poisoning

There are certain species of toad that can secrete a toxic protective covering on their skin which transfers to the dog's mouth if he picks it up. Similar irritants come from a few types of longhaired caterpillar. Poisons in the mouth can cause itchiness, redness and swelling so the best treatment is to rinse the mouth with cold water. A spray, water mister is good for this purpose, but don't allow the dog to swallow any. If the dog is in discomfort he may need antihistamines to reduce the swelling.

Porcupines and Skunks

Dogs are curious, nosy creatures and it is often their downfall. Sniffing around a porcupine can result in porcupine quills painfully attached to their flesh, usually around the nose. They are better to be removed by a vet under sedation although it is possible to remove them with pliers if they are not too deeply embedded in the skin. Dousing with tomato juice or mouthwash can eliminate skunk odour or there are proprietary brands made especially for this purpose. Then thoroughly bath the dog with a dog shampoo.  

 
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