This time of year in south Louisiana, we spend more time outside, and so do our pets. The cold weather is behind us, and we aren’t quite into the scorching heat of summer yet.
But along with the great outdoors comes something many pet owners don’t think about until it happens — stings and bites from insects and other small creatures that hide in plain sight.
Even in familiar spaces, pets can have unexpected encounters with bees, wasps, fire ants and those pesky buck moth caterpillars, which are especially active right now. This caterpillar variety is in its high season. They’re dark in color, covered in branched spines and often found clustered on tree trunks, fences or low vegetation. Those spines can deliver a painful sting.
Dogs are especially at risk because they investigate the world with their noses. A quick sniff or a brush against one of these caterpillars can trigger an immediate reaction.
Sometimes it’s easy to spot the moment it happens. At other times, there may be a sudden behavior change. Signs a pet may have been stung or bitten include:
- pawing at the face or mouth
- sudden yelping or signs of pain
- licking or chewing at paws
- redness or raised bumps on the skin
- swelling, especially around the face or muzzle
If a pet is thought to have had a run-in with something outdoors, carefully examine the area of concern for signs such as a bee sting, ants or irritated skin.
With buck moth caterpillars, pets may also drool excessively or seem especially agitated due to the sharp, stinging sensation. Caterpillar spines can sometimes remain embedded, so remove any visible spines using gloves, a cloth, or even tape, as these can irritate human skin as well.
Lightly rinsing the area may help remove any lingering irritants if a caterpillar is involved.
A baking soda and water paste could help soothe irritation, and applying a cool compress could reduce swelling.
It’s important to know when it’s an emergency. While many bites and stings are mild, some can quickly become serious. Contact a veterinarian immediately if these symptoms appear:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling around the head, neck or throat
- Hives or widespread itching
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness, disorientation or collapse
- Seizures
Reactions can appear quickly or be delayed, so it’s important to monitor any suspected stings or bites closely.
A little prevention goes a long way. The best way to protect pets is to stay aware of their surroundings and check for insect activity in outdoor areas.
Keeping the grass and landscaping well-maintained and watching for ant mounds, bees and clusters of caterpillars on trees can help steer pets away from anything unusual.
Our pets don’t stop to assess what’s in the grass before sniffing around, running, rolling and playing. They rely on us to do that for them. With a little awareness, a painful surprise could be prevented, and outdoor time could be safe and enjoyable.
