Being stung by a scorpion is unlikely to kill your dog. But it can definitely ruin his day! Knowing how to properly care for a puppy will help both of you if something goes wrong.
Think you just need to worry about scorpions in the desert southwest? They can actually be found in 29 states! So your dog could be stung by a scorpion when you least expect it.
And now that we live in southern Arizona, sightings of scorpions are fairly common. So far, we’ve always seen them before Myles! But if that situation changes, it may be necessary to treat the scorpion bite for him.
Disclosure: I am not a veterinary professional, just a concerned parent with pets. These tips should be practiced with extreme caution. If your dog is stung by a scorpion, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
Are scorpion stings dangerous for dogs?
I don’t have the first clue about scorpions. As far as I know, they’re dead. And their venom can bring a swift end to me or my beloved dog.
In fact, although all species of scorpions are venomous, there are only about 50 of them. 1,500 known types of scorpions all over the world are dangerous to humans. And of them, only one species – the bark scorpion – lives in the United States.
READ MORE Seven essentials for hiking in the desert with dogs
Bark scorpions are common in Arizona, western New Mexico, southern Utah and Nevada, and even in parts of southern California. And we’ve seen some since we moved in Bisbee.
Although the sight of scorpions is unpleasant and stings can be serious, you should also remember that only a human death from the Arizona bark scorpion has been reported since 1964.
While scorpion stings are unlikely to cause serious harm to your dog, it’s important that you do what you can to help your puppy if he or she encounters them.
How dogs can avoid scorpions
The best way to protect your dog from scorpion stings is to avoid scorpion stings! But dogs are a curious pack, always sticking their noses into places where scorpions might hide.
Remember, the larger the scorpion, the less venom they carry. Therefore, you will need to be especially wary of small scorpions, like the Arizona bark scorpion.
Here are some tips to help keep your dog from hitting a scorpion:
1. Keep your dog tied
Keeping your dog on a leash when walking or hiking is a good way to avoid all kinds of potentially nasty critters – including scorpions.
2. Working on withdrawal
If you’re planning on hiking with your dog on a leash, be prepared to train them. The quicker your dog obeys your commands, the safer they will be. Commands like “leave it” and “come” are useful for all kinds of adventures.
3. Be especially vigilant at night
Scorpios are nocturnal creatures, staying hidden until the sun goes down. So don’t let your dog sniff the brush, pile of leaves, and other good hiding places for scorpions, especially after dark.
4. Don’t let your dog dig
As well as living under rocks and in crevices, many species of scorpions live in underground burrows. If your dog likes to dig, the scent of scorpions may attract them, and burrowing for scorpions is a good way to get stung.
5. Receive UV lamp
If you’re really worried, invest in a UV light. They make scorpions glow green, so they’re easy to spot on your yard or in your home.
What happens if your dog is stung by a scorpion?
Despite your best efforts, it’s possible that your dog could still be stung by a scorpion. If you suspect that has happened, find a vet is a priority.
The severity of a scorpion sting depends on the size of your dog, the type of scorpion, the amount of venom secreted, and your dog’s overall health.
READ MORE What You Should Know About Emergency Veterinarians (Before You Need It)
A word of warning: Scorpion stings are very painful, so you must do whatever you can to relieve the pain. These steps may require two people as your dog may struggle to get out. Stick with it – your dog will be grateful later.
Until you can get to the vet, there are several immediate actions you can take to help your dog:
- If you can locate the nib and safe remove it, do so using tweezers. Place the stinger in a container – it can be used to identify the type of scorpion that stings your pet.
- Wash the affected area with cool water and then apply cold (not ice) for 10 minutes. When that time is up, let the sting breathe for 10 minutes and then reapply the gauze for another 10 minutes.
- If your dog was stung and you can safely catch the scorpion (or if it is dead), take it to the vet for identification. Knowing the type of scorpion will help gauge the severity of the situation.
The road to recovery
Depending on the severity of the sting, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication for your pet. Usually, the medication will make your dog tired and foggy.
You should continue to monitor your dog for several days to make sure there is no slow reaction to the venom. If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time to see the vet again!
- Drooling
- Walking with a limp or loss of coordination
- Watered, eyes shot blood and dilated pupils
- Abnormal urination and defecation
- Muscle vibration
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat (Learn to take your dog’s pulse)
- Hive
- Swollen face and throat
- Comatose
After a few days, your friend should be back to normal.
If you live in or are traveling to an area where scorpions are common, ask your veterinarian about giving your dog an antihistamine in case of a scorpion sting. In the correct dosage, antihistamines are safe for dogs and may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with scorpion stings.
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