A scorpion sting in a dog is very dangerous and can greatly harm animal health. The arthropod species is present in several regions of the country, has nocturnal habits and does not show aggressive behavior, but can "attack" if it is manipulated or feels threatened. As dogs are curious animals, the chances are high that a scorpion will sting a dog. The big problem is that, byif it is a poisonous animal, all caution is needed and the guardian must know how to recognize the symptoms of the poisoned dog.

Because the venom can spread quickly, a dog stung by a scorpion needs immediate attention. To find out how to best deal with this situation and to answer any other questions about scorpion stings in dogs (symptoms and treatment), the Paws of the House spoke with veterinarian Guilherme Borges Ribeiro, from Petrópolis (RJ).

Understand how the scorpion sting reaction works in dogs

There are different species of scorpion in Brazil and around the world, but when a scorpion sting occurs in a dog, the canine organism always behaves the same way. "After the scorpion stings a dog, the patient's body receives the toxin (venom) of the arthropod which, as time goes by, causes some changes in the animal's body, triggering a series of symptoms", explains the doctor.Scorpion venom is very strong and fast-acting, so the dog stung by scorpion needs urgent help. Since the toxin acts mainly on the dog's nervous system, it can lead to spasms, tremors and convulsions.

Scorpion sting in dogs: symptoms are varied

After a scorpion bite in a dog, it doesn't take long before the first symptoms start to appear. "The main one is the pain, usually intense, at the site of the sting and which may be accompanied by edema / swelling, altered coloration and warmer temperature", reveals Guilherme. In addition, other possible symptoms of scorpion sting in dogs are:

• Intense salivation
• Tiredness
• Dog vomit
• Abdominal tenderness
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Heart changes (arrhythmias)
• Seizure in a dog

It is worth noting that the symptoms of scorpion stings in dogs, as well as the severity of the situation, will depend mainly on the type of scorpion that stung the animal. This is something that varies greatly from region to region, according to the veterinarian.

Does scorpion sting kill dogs?

Sting, scorpion, dog: when these words are put together, they represent a real danger for your four-legged friend. A scorpion sting in a dog is already a problem in itself, mainly because of the pain the animal feels and the sequelae it may have. But is this enough to lead the puppy to death? The answer is yes. The scorpion kills dogs, but it is notIn fact, several factors influence the arrival in this situation, such as the species that caused the bite (some are more venomous than others), the number of bites and the level of venom that was injected into the victim.

If a scorpion stings a puppy in poor health or at an advanced age, it can also be fatal. Puppies need equal attention as they do not yet have a fully developed immune system.

"Scorpion stung my dog": what to do immediately?

The concern of guardians is enormous when it comes to scorpion stings in dogs. Proper treatment is essential and although many look for immediate solutions, unfortunately this is not possible without the help of a professional. "This is the best option to avoid possible complications and refer the dog to a correct treatment. Often people worsen the patient's conditionThere is no home remedy for a scorpion sting in a dog that will help slow down the poison."

Despite this, some measures can - and should - be taken to prevent a worsening of the animal. These are:

• take the dog to the vet immediately
• keep the patient calm so that the poison does not spread
• observe the characteristics of the insect to pass on to the veterinarian
• do not agitate the dog

Scorpion sting in dogs: treatment needs to be immediate

As Guilherme explains, there is no anti-scorpion serum for dogs available in veterinary medicine, but that does not mean that the dog cannot be treated. "We perform supportive treatment and symptom relief, thinking a lot about eliminating pain initially. Complementary tests are also indicated for monitoring and understanding the severity in each individual ",explains.

How to prevent scorpion stings in dogs?

To avoid scorpion stings in dogs, the ideal is to always supervise the environment in which the puppy lives, cleaning frequently and making sure that there is nothing hidden there. Avoid the accumulation of garbage and debris near where the dog plays or sleeps, and use screens in the drains and sinks of the house to ensure the safety of the animal. In addition, those who live in a house withyard or garden, it is important to trim the grass regularly, preventing it from getting too tall.