Puppies are naturally inquisitive and this sometimes gets them into a bit of trouble. It is not at all unusual for puppies to put their noses where they shouldn’t be, making them easy prey to insect bites. It can take a bite or a sting or two until puppies learn that bugs are not play toys.
If your dog is bitten by an insect, try to determine what type of bug is the culprit. If it is a bee or wasp, it is important to remove the stinger with a pair of tweezers. If you are outdoors and don’t have tweezers on hand, try scraping bite with a credit card to remove the stinger.
It is a good idea to keep a container of baking soda handy. Make a paste out of the baking soda by mixing it will a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the bite. This will help draw out any venom that is present.
If the bite site is swelling, apply ice. Follow the ice with an application of calamine lotion or a cortisone cream that will help reduce swelling and itching.
It is important to watch your puppy closely for signs of an allergic reaction to any insect or spider bites. Symptoms, which include swelling, hives and extremely red eyes, will usually become evident rather quickly.
If an allergic reaction occurs, you should call the puppy’s veterinarian. If you are unable to quickly get to a vet’s office, you can try administering Benadryl at a dose of 1 mg. per pound of body weight. Allergic reactions can become life threatening if untreated.
In the event you find a tick attached to your puppy’s body, grasp the bloodsucker firmly and pull parallel to the dog’s skin to avoid having the tick’s head break off. Apply a small amount of an antibiotic ointment and monitor the dog for symptoms of Lyme disease. The puppy’s veterinarian can perform a blood test to check for the tick-borne disease.
Rashes are commonplace among puppies. Fleas, mites and mange can cause the dog to scratch until he or she is raw. Worms, fungus such as ringworm, staphylococcus and stress and anxiety are common causes of skin irritation and rashes.
Some dogs will react to stress and anxiety by licking themselves raw. The legs are a common area where dogs will lick until they cause hot spots. If this happens, try to identify what exactly is stressing the puppy. If possible, do away with the stressful situation. You may also have to make an appointment with the puppy’s veterinarian, who can prescribe medication to reduce the dog’s anxiety.
Hot spots caused by excessive licking are best treated by shaving the infected area. Apply cool compresses for relief. There are a host of products – topical ointments, oral medicines and special shampoos – that can help with hot spot treatment. Antibiotics may be necessary to clear up the skin infection.
Food allergies can also cause skin rashes. Be sure to feed high quality dog food that is designed for the age and size of your breed of dog. You may have to make dietary changes.
Always consult a veterinarian if do-it-yourself treatments do not work.
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