Dogs & Bugs – What to Watch Out For

Dogs & Bugs – What to Watch Out For

 I am sure that we can all agree that bugs can be annoying.  Our dogs feel the same way!  Some insects make it their goal to latch onto our four-legged friends and others deliver a bite or sting as an act of defense.  Either way, there are a handful of bugs that can cause dogs to become severely ill if they attempt to eat them as a snack.  Below is our list.

  • Ticks – Does your dog spend a lot of time outside?  If so, it is very important to check your dog for ticks.  If a tick remains unnoticed on your pet for a long period of time, tick paralysis may occur.  Some of the symptoms include difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even a change in the pitch of your dog’s barking.
  • Spiders – Watch out for all spiders, especially the poisonous ones, the black widow and brown recluse.  Just keep in mind that it may take a few days for a spider bite to appear.  Symptoms such as weakness, fever, and rash can occur if left untreated.
  • Mosquitos – There are so many diseases that can be passed along with the help of mosquitoes.  Unfortunately, heartworm is one of them.  Look at parasite control products to help reduce your dog’s risk of contracting heartworm from a mosquito.
  • Ants – Your dog needs to avoid ant hills at all costs!  Coming across an ant hill is a recipe for disaster as your dog can encounter a handful of bites in just a short amount of time.  These can cause hives and an uncomfortable itchy feeling.  Your dog will not like it one bit.
  • Fleas – Flea bites are also incredibly annoying and itchy.  However, some pets who are allergic to fleas can develop allergic dermatitis.  This can cause your dog to scratch their skin so much that they end up bleeding and removing fur.