Dog Ate a Stink Bug: Allergic Reactions

During the hot summer days flying insects, like stink bugs become numerous. If your dog likes snapping at such insects, he is at risk of eating them. Although those insects are not dangerous, they can still cause some adverse effects, including allergic reactions. Here is a guide to help you deal with the symptoms of stink bug consumption if your dog has just consumed it.

What is a Stink Bug?

Stink bugs are small, brown-colored insects that in most cases, are shaped like a shield. Their six legs spread on each side and are called stink bugs because they release a somewhat unpleasant odor. This odor is part of their protection mechanism. Stink bugs will normally come into a house when they need shelter, and they are attracted to lights. They can enter the house through wall cracks, or another entry point, but they can also, be found outdoors, particularly in green areas.

Can eating stink bugs affect your dog’s health?

Dogs are not that selective when it comes to food. They are capable of eating whatever they find nearby. Insects cannot be missed from this list. Your fluffy pet is definitely going to play, chase, chew, or even eat a stink bug. Lucky for your canine, those insects are relatively harmless snacks. However, if you notice that your pet has just eaten a bug, you should take action as soon as possible.

In most cases, your canine will show signs of mild stomach irritation once he consumes a bug. Symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and eye irritation are among the most common implications. Eye irritation and drooling will typically occur within seconds after eating the insect. On the other hand, stomach reactions may occur later during the day, even 12 hours afterward. In both cases, the symptoms won’t last long.

The most difficult side effect that may occur if your dog consumes lots of bugs is the development of a hardened mass, known as bezoar in his stomach. In that case, it is necessary to consult your veterinarian, since your canine may be in need of surgical removal of this mass.

Will eating stink bugs cause an allergic reaction?

Thankfully, no cases of a dog experiencing an allergic reaction after eating those insects have been observed. Although it is true that different secretions are produced by a stink bug, they are not capable of causing allergic reactions. However, since a bug’s secretions can be harmful to your canine, the symptom of drooling may also, appear. Why is that? Because the secretions of this insect can aggravate the lips, tongue, and gum, and this reaction resembles an allergic one. Thankfully, all those symptoms will quickly disappear on their own in almost every case.

What about licking a stink bug?

If your dog licks a stink bug, he will normally experience more light-hearted effects compared to one who has eaten the whole bug. Apart from an unpleasant and bitter taste that can make your canine vomit, no other side effects will normally occur. However, every dog owner should be careful if he finds out that his dog has chased down and possibly eaten a stinkbug.

Is stink bug spray dangerous for dogs?

Many homeowners use different types of insecticides to get rid of undesirable bugs. Unfortunately, what many of us fail to understand is that those products can be a lot harmful to your canine. In some cases, dogs will develop symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and chemical burns in the eyes. However, the worst thing is that long-term effects may also, occur, including irreversible damage to the central nervous system. For this reason, it is best to use alternative methods of killing those insects, like homemade recipes.

Another great tip is to try and seal every gap in your trim, utilities, and baseboards. A dog owner should also, look carefully for hidden egg masses under the leaves and destroy them.

How to help your dog overcome his symptoms?

As mentioned before, most symptoms related to stinkbug consumption will normally go away on their own quickly. Since no permanent damage is likely to occur, canine owners should not be alarmed or overly anxious. However, it is important to check on your dog for the first 12 hours, as this is the time period when most symptoms are likely to appear. If you notice other stink bugs nearby, make sure to keep your dog away from them so as to diminish the danger of his eating more.

If your dog has eaten or licked a bug, the unpleasant smell will likely be on both their fur and mouth. The first thing you will naturally think of doing is washing your dog with fresh, clean water and some kind of shampoo. However, that’s not a wise move. Why is that? Because it may cause the smell to sink further into your pet’s coat. The best alternative solution is to make a mixture of the following: 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 and 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide. However, you may not have all of these ingredients at home or ready to use. If this is the case, you can simply mix 1 part of vinegar with 2 parts of water in a bucket and mix them well. Apply the mixture to your canine’s fur and leave it for at least 5 minutes. After that, you can safely wash your dog from head to toe with his favorite shampoo.

Curious dogs will normally try to taste every type of insect out there. As owners, it is our responsibility to keep our furry friends safe at all times. Keeping a close eye on their behavior is the best way to make sure your dog is taken good care of immediately. If he experiences symptoms, like prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, rashes, or swollen lips, it should be best to ask your vet for advice. In each case, it is important to remember that stink bugs are not poisonous or toxic to your canine.