Here at PetPartners, Inc., the exclusive pet healthcare provider for the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan, we see many claims about treatment of stings, bites and other conditions related to spring and summer weather. 

Defense Strategies

When the weather begins to warm up, out come fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, bees, yellow jackets, fire ants and snakes – sometimes armies of them.  They are all ready to attack us and animals, infest our homes and cause itching, illness or even death in some situations. The best way to combat these pests is to prevent or avoid them in the first place.  Discuss with your veterinarian the safest products or procedures to use toward preventing these unwanted guests. Some common preventive methods include:

• Use flea, tick and heartworm prevention; some flea and tick preventives also contain a mosquito repellant. These treatments are covered under the AKC Pet Healthcare Wellness Plan.
• Eliminate standing pools of water and keep water bowls fresh, to avoid mosquitoes.
• Don’t use ‘human’ mosquito repellants, especially those containing the ingredient DEET, on animals, as they can cause neurological problems.
• Learn about ways to attract birds to inhabit your area, since many of these species eagerly feed on mosquitoes.
• Keep your dog leashed on walks and stay on open pathways where snakes can be visible.  Watch for fire ant nests on the ground.
• Don’t allow your dog to explore in holes in the ground, or dig under logs or other objects where snakes or yellow jacket nests might be hidden.
• Keep nighttime walks to a minimum, as some rattlesnakes and some other snake species are nocturnal for much of the year.
• After your dog has been in an area you suspect is populated by ticks, thoroughly comb him within four to six hours to help prevent ticks from attaching.
• Avoid long walks at dawn and dusk, when many insects are most active.
• Watch for spiders in basements, garages, woodpiles and brush.

Be on the Alert for Stings

If you suspect that your pet has been stung or bitten by an insect, it’s always best to call your veterinarian immediately for advice on what to do. 

Dogs are most often stung on their face or paws and these stings can be extremely painful -- sometimes you can’t immediately tell what is wrong.  A dog that has been stung will often become agitated, run around shaking his head or pawing at his muzzle.  If stung in or around his mouth or throat, swelling can constrict your dog’s airway and be life-threatening. Multiple stings can also cause major problems, such as anaphylactic shock.  Signs of shock can vary but may include depression, breathing problems, pale gums and a weak pulse.

If your dog is stung by fire ants, remove him from the area and brush off any ants remaining on him.  Don’t spray them off with water, as they will hang on with their jaws and continue to sting.

Spider bites can be quite dangerous to dogs.  Although generally harmless, there are several varieties of spiders that can cause severe problems. Some spider venom contains digestive enzymes that can damage skin tissue, causing a wound to grow quickly with a secondary infection.

Be certain to inspect your dog often for ticks (cousins to spiders) that can also pose a threat to your dog’s good health.  They can also carry and spread blood-borne diseases, such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tick Paralysis. 

These kinds of injuries are covered under the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan. The costs of treatment can quickly add up, especially if your dog has had a life-threatening situation. PetPartners paid a claim of over $2,200 for the hospitalization of Piano, a dog in California, after she was attacked by a swarm of bees in her backyard.  After several days in intensive care and three blood transfusions, Piano amazed everyone and survived this potentially fatal attack.

Things That Slither and Bite

Treatment for a snake bite can be quite expensive and vials of antivenom can cost as much as $750 or more.  We see many claims for snake bites; some recent claims included, $2,783 for a German Shepherd Dog bitten by a snake, $1,895 for a Labrador Retriever bitten by a Rattlesnake and $1,262 for another Labrador Retriever bitten by a snake.

Snakes are beneficial to our environment because they control the rodent population, among many other reasons.  In general, they prefer to be left alone and avoid conflict.  If your dog is bitten by a snake, try to identify it, without getting bitten yourself, as identification is important in determining treatment.  Notice the snake’s head shape (triangular vs. oval), coloration, markings, size, and whether or not it has a rattle at the end of its tail.  Keep your dog as quiet as possible, since movement spreads snake venom.  If you’re out on a hike, carry or walk your dog to the car at a normal pace and do not let your dog run.  Snakebites are very painful, so be careful -- even a loving dog may bite when it’s in pain. 

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Planning ahead for unforeseen medical emergencies can help make them more manageable when they occur, with better outcomes.  Pet healthcare insurance can significantly help you manage the cost of veterinary care and preventive measures and save you money in the long run. 

The range of AKC Pet Healthcare Plans* offers quality and affordable coverage for as little as 68 cents a day, far less than the cost of a soft drink at a fast food restaurant.  You can choose the Essential Plan that covers unexpected illnesses or injuries up to $11,000 for treatment costs per year, at $20.75 a month, or higher levels of protection with Essential Plus (for a higher cost).  You may be interested in plans that, in addition to accident and illness coverage, also offer reimbursement towards those wellness measures that can add up to $500 or more a year. The Wellness Plans are designed to provide coverage up to $13,000 for treatment costs a year, and this includes flea, tick and heartworm prevention, as well as an annual physical exam, annual dental cleaning and prescribed vaccinations. The Wellness Plus option also offers additional coverage for spaying/neutering.   

Seeking a veterinarian’s advice first is important if you have any questions about your dog’s health.  If you program your veterinarian’s emergency phone number into your cell phone, you’ll have it close at hand if something happens to your dog and you’re away from home.

If a friend or sitting service is caring for your dog during your absence, discuss in advance your dog’s health history and potential health emergencies, as well as any medications they are taking.  Make certain your veterinarian’s contact information -- and the phone number for the closest emergency veterinary room -- are clearly posted.  Be prepared and be safe – not sorry. 

For more information on the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan, visit:  www.akcphp.com                           

*Full details available at www.akcphp.com  Available to U.S. residents in all 50 states. Underwritten by National Specialty Insurance Company.  Applications subject to underwriting.  Accident & Injury coverage from day one; Illness coverage from day 31. Rates and coverage subject to change.