Summer spells danger for pets

Summer in the desert can bring many hazards for pets. Becoming aware of these dangers can decrease risks to your pet.

While most insects are nontoxic, a pet can still be susceptible to severe allergic reactions. Bites or stings from any insect can cause allergic reactions. There are specific insects and animals found in the Sonoran Desert that are known to cause more serious risk for pets and humans.

Black Widow
This spider is a common insect found around most homes. The male of the species is generally less toxic than the female and about 20 times smaller than the female.

The female Black Widow is black in color with a red/orange hourglass pattern located on the bottom of the abdomen. The spider can regulate the amount of venom in each bite, and about 15 percent of bites to humans contain no venom.

Cats tend to be more sensitive to the bite while dogs are more resistant. The bite and envenomation can be life-threatening to companion animals.

Signs of a Black Widow bite include severe pain at the site of the bite, paralysis and stiff abdomen. It can take up to about eight hours for these signs to manifest. In cases of known Black Widow bites, an antivenin is the primary form of treatment and should be administered within 30 minutes of a bite.

Brown Recluse
This spider is about the same size as the Black Widow. It is brown in color with a darker colored pattern on its back in the shape of a violin. These spiders generally live in dark, enclosed areas.

The bite from a Brown Recluse tends to be less toxic than that of the Black Widow; however, in severe envenomations, the effects can be much worse. The bite tends to be less painful, and in mild envenomations the pet may not notice being bitten. In more severe cases, the toxin can cause death of the tissue surrounding the bite and even cause signs of shock. The death of the tissue around the bite may not be seen for several days. Treatment varies greatly for each patient and depends on the severity of the signs.

Scorpion
Scorpion stings are generally nontoxic, though most scorpion venoms have not been analyzed. A scorpion’s toxin is meant to be deadly to its prey, usually other insects. The sting from a scorpion is initially excruciatingly painful and some redness and swelling may be seen.

The sting site is very small, and usually the actual site cannot be found. Severe envenomations can result in more systemic signs such as anxiety, pain extending to other areas of the body and increase in body temperature.

Sonoran Desert Toad
The Sonoran Desert toad (also known in some areas as the Colorado River toad, Bufo alvarius) is a toxic species found in the Sonoran Desert. The toad is seen most commonly near water and comes out after the refreshing monsoons we receive in mid to late summer.

These toads live under the soil during most of the year and are commonly seen above ground after the heavy rains during monsoon season. This species of toad secretes a toxin from skin pores that causes sudden cardiac or neurological signs such as excessive drooling, weakness, tremors and seizures.

The toxin is secreted from the parotid glands located above each shoulder and from additional glands located on the front and rear limbs. These toads are approximately 3-7 inches long and have smooth skin.

Dogs are instinctually more curious and are much more likely to be exposed to these creatures than cats. The toxin is absorbed through the mucous membranes and is more potent when swallowed. Flushing the mouth out with large amounts of water, angling the stream towards the nose, can be done for pets that have been exposed to the toad and are acting normally.

If the pet is showing any abnormal signs, veterinary care should be sought immediately. If you see these toads in your yard, with gloved hands, remove the toad from the yard. It is not advised to kill these animals as they are living creatures who are just trying to survive in their environment. Pools should be cleaned before pets and humans are allowed to swim, and a good examination of the yard can decrease exposure to toxic animals.

Laura Klockow is a veterinarian for the Maricopa Wells Animal Hospital located in Maricopa. She is a regular monthly contributor for inmaricopa.com. Klockow recommends contacting their veterinarian if readers want more information on the topics discussed.

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