How to Treat Insect Bites on Pets

When your dog or cat is suffering from a bite or sting from a pesky insect, it can make your pet quite uncomfortable. By applying these simple solutions, free your pet from the aftermath of a nasty bug encounter. You may even get a thank you bark or meow for taking such good care of your four-legged friend. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Remove any stingers from your pet with a pair of tweezers, your fingers or even the corner of a credit card. If you are able to scrape it out, it will prevent extra venom from going into the wound.

2. Apply a cold compress containing ice cubes to the sting or bite to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. Try to hold it on for five minutes or more.

3. Put a combination of water and baking soda or meat tenderizer on the area that was bitten or stung to treat insect venom that may have gotten into your pet's bloodstream.

4. Apply a coating of milk of magnesia to the wound site. This will aid in reducing the itching and irritation.

5. Give your pet an oatmeal bath. Wash her with oatmeal shampoo; or add colloidal or regular oatmeal to the bath water by putting it in a sock, tying it to the water spout, and letting the water run through it.

6. Apply a small amount of ammonia with a cotton ball or swab to the bite or sting site, or use a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream on the wound. This will help relieve the pain and irritation.

7. Put a small layer of aloe vera gel (either from a plant or store-bought) to the insect bite or sting site. It will not only reduce your pet's pain, but increase the healing process.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply an insect repellent made especially for pets to your cat or dog to help prevent bites and stings. This will keep fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and more away from your pet.
• If your pet gets stung on the face, nose or mouth, swelling can occur that may prevent breathing. Watch the swelling closely. Mild swelling is okay. If the swelling quickly becomes large, your pet may be having a serious reaction to the sting or bite and needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
• If you know a black widow or brown recluse spider has bitten your pet, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Although spider bites usually are not fatal, they can still be dangerous and need immediate attention.