What Happens When Dogs Get Bitten by Scorpions?

Scorpion stings are not usually fatal to dogs.
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If you live or travel to the southwest, you'll need to watch out for scorpions in desert areas. Your dog may encounter the poisonous insects when digging under rocks, in blankets or towels, or when walking around at night. While most scorpion stings are not fatal, they will cause your dog a great deal of discomfort.

Symptoms of Stings

A scorpion sting can be extremely painful; even a stoic dog will shriek when he is stung. He may continue shrieking for several minutes, lift the injured limb or swat at the painful area with a foot. Check carefully to ensure the scorpion has not been trapped between the dog's toes; observe him for the next four hours for signs that may require medical care.

When to Visit a Vet

If your dog exhibits abnormal behavior such as labored breathing, vomiting, tremors, eye-rolling or unusual agitation, he may require veterinary care. Small dogs are more likely to develop a reaction from a scorpion sting than large dogs, but unless your dog has an unusual reaction, he should be back to normal in four to eight hours.