Scorpions are commonly found in Texas and much of the southwestern United States, meaning that both people and pets in these areas are at risk of being stung. While most scorpion stings aren’t dangerous for dogs and cats, it’s important for pet owners to be on the watch for the rare occasion that a serious sting does occur.
Dr. Lance Wheeler, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, sheds light on how pet owners can recognize a sting, what to do if one happens, and how to prevent future incidents.
Spotting the Signs
Recognizing a scorpion sting in pets can be tricky.
“There’s a wide variety of symptoms,” Wheeler explained. “Depending on the species of scorpion, they will have different venoms that cause different signs in those affected.”
Most often, when a scorpion sting occurs, the pet might suddenly limp, hold its leg up, or move slowly because the leg hurts or feels strange. Wheeler explains that many pets don’t actually feel pain from the sting itself but instead experience a sensation similar to a limb falling asleep, which causes them to limp.
Afterward, Wheeler said it’s common for the pet to start coughing, based on his personal experience treating scorpion stings.
“If there’s lameness, sudden swelling, and known scorpions in the area, then I’d be suspicious and I would bring them in to a veterinarian,” Wheeler said.
While scorpion stings in pets may seem alarming, Wheeler emphasizes that severe reactions are rare, especially in the areas where less venomous species are prevalent.
“In Texas, scorpions can be seen year-round, with sightings peaking during the hottest and driest months, typically from July to August,” Wheeler said. “However, in my 4-plus years of working at a small animal ER, I have never seen a dangerous or life-threatening scorpion envenomation in a dog or cat.”
Still, recognizing the signs of a sting and seeking timely veterinary care can make all the difference in ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort.
What’s Next
If you suspect that your pet has been stung by a scorpion, quick action can help ensure that they remain comfortable and avoid any potential complications.
“If an owner suspects a sting, it’s best to just bring them in,” Wheeler advises. “Most scorpions are benign, so we might not need to treat a sting, but it’s important to make that distinction with a physical exam.”
In some cases, a veterinarian may prescribe medication to make the animal more comfortable. In rare cases, more venomous stings can cause serious problems, such as skin or tissue damage, requiring extra veterinary care to manage the symptoms.
“For pets that appear to be in more pain, we will prescribe several days’ worth of either a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug specifically for dogs and cats or a neuropathic pain medication to help reduce any pain or discomfort the animal may be experiencing,” Wheeler said.
Keeping Your Pets Scorpion-Free
The best way to protect your pets from scorpions is by preventing stings in the first place. Taking preventive measures not only protects your pets but also lowers the chance of a human family member being stung.
“If you live in a scorpion-heavy area, I suggest looking into pest control options,” Wheeler recommends. “Many pest control companies offer services that target scorpions, which can help reduce the risk for both pets and humans.”
Another effective way to prevent scorpion stings from occurring is by using a blacklight to find and safely remove them.
“Scorpions are nocturnal, remaining sheltered in the daytime and becoming active at night,” Wheeler said. “Ultraviolet light can be used to help find scorpions in the environment, as it causes them to fluoresce.”
In the end, while scorpion stings may seem scary, most encounters turn out to be harmless. With a bit of attentiveness and preventive action, pets can stay safe and scorpion-free.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.
