INSECT STINGS/BITES (INCLUDING SPIDERS/SCORPIONS)

What Happens?

• Pets often get bites and stings to their head and mouth from being curious of bugs
• Most bites and stings are non-life threatening, but in rare cases they can be more serious 

What Does It Look Like?

• Mild
• Local swelling
• Pain
• Moderate
• Hives over body
• Facial Swelling
• Severe
• Anaphylaxis 
• Shock

What Do You Do?

• Remove stinger if present using tweezers from the bag
• A salve can be made from baking soda and water and applied to the sting area to neutralize the acidic venom
• OTC Benadryl can be give at 1mg/lb every 12 hours (adult benadryl is 25mg)
• Mild Reactions - cold compress if swelling is present
• Moderate/Severe Reactions - see your veterinarian 
• Do not give Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Tylenol - they can be toxic to your pet