Insects & Your Dog: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Written By Arturs Gorenko

When warmer months arrive—or you’re out on forest trails—your dog meets more buzzing, biting, and stinging creatures. Most encounters are harmless, but some insects (and a few insect-like pests) can cause skin problems or spread disease. Here’s a quick, practical guide.

Fleas

Itching and flea allergy dermatitis are common, and dogs can get tapeworm by ingesting a flea during grooming. Treat all pets in the household and keep up year-round prevention.

Ticks (not insects, but important)

Ticks can transmit illnesses like Lyme disease depending on your region. Do daily checks (ears, collar line, armpits, between toes, groin, tail base) and use a vet-recommended preventive.

Mosquitoes

In heartworm areas, a single bite can matter. Stay on monthly preventives and follow your vet’s test schedule, especially if you travel.

Wasps & Bees

Most stings are localized and painful. Watch for facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or collapse—those need same-day veterinary care.

Harvest Mites & Biting Flies

These cause local irritation and redness. Rinse, prevent licking, and consult your vet if itching persists.

Can Dogs Eat Bugs?

A random fly or moth is usually no big deal. Bees/wasps can sting when swallowed, pesticide-exposed bugs are risky, and some species can upset the stomach. If your dog vomits, drools, or swells after eating a bug—call your vet.

When to Call the Vet

  • Facial swelling, hives, or trouble breathing after a sting

  • Persistent itching, hair loss, or “pepper-like” flea dirt

  • Lethargy, fever, or shifting lameness after a tick bite

  • Coughing or exercise intolerance in heartworm regions

Simple First Aid

  • Stings: Scrape out a visible stinger with a card; cool compress 10–15 minutes on/off.

  • Ticks: Remove with a tick tool—steady pull close to the skin; disinfect the site.

  • Skin irritation: Rinse with cool water; prevent licking; monitor 24–48 hours.

Prevention Basics

  • Keep to year-round parasite control advised by your vet.

  • Trim grass/bushes; remove standing water to deter mosquitoes.

  • Do a 30-second daily check for hitchhikers after walks.

  • Ask your vet about added protection when traveling to tick/heartworm hot spots.

Helping Owners Understand the “Why”

Parasite life cycles and bite reactions are easier to grasp with visuals. Many clinics use quick 3D explainers—like VET VR’s modules—to show how ticks attach, how heartworm travels, or why fast care matters after a sting. When owners can see it, they stick to prevention better.

For Veterinary Clinics

If you want clearer, faster parasite-prevention conversations, VET VR offers concise, interactive visuals that fit into consults in under a minute. Ask your team about adding VET VR to your exam-room toolkit.

Arturs Gorenko
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Keeping Your Dog Hydrated: What Every Pet Owner Should Know