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Are Centipedes Poisonous To Dogs?

The summer provides favorable conditions for centipedes, allowing them to thrive.

They’ll be all over your garden, a few making their way even into the house.

No matter how much you try to prevent your dog from eating them or from getting bitten, it almost seems inevitable.

Your pet is bound to chew on these, and it can get somewhat alarming.

While centipedes aren’t necessarily poisonous, they are venomous.

They don’t typically attack animals that are larger than themselves until they are provoked.

But don’t panic.

Here’s all you need to know about a centipede sting or bite, including how to tell your dog is suffering from a centipede bite, what to do, how to treat it, and how you can rid your home of centipedes without causing harm to your dog.

Are Centipedes Poisonous to Dogs?

In most circumstances, centipedes are not poisonous to dogs, which is a relief.

Nevertheless, most centipedes have a defensive mechanism.

They have a spray they give off when they sense danger, bringing about an allergic reaction to some dogs.

Many centipedes can and do bite dogs, leaving them feeling like they’ve been stung by a hornet or a bee.

If your dog gets bitten by a centipede or eats one, they’ll experience mild irritation but otherwise will be fine.

It matters how big your dog is and the type of centipede that bit them.

Although most house centipedes are typically harmless, some can be poisonous.

And as far as size goes, smaller dogs are likely to react more to centipede encounters than the big ones.

Also, your pet’s reaction will probably be stronger after a centipede bite if they’re allergic to them.

Which Centipedes are Poisonous to Dogs?

While most centipedes are harmless to dogs, there are a few large ones out there that are terrifyingly wild.

These will not only cause severe pain but may also be harmful.

Scolopendra Cataracta, Giant Scolopendridae, and Scolopendra Cingulata are among the most dangerous of centipedes and the most venomous.

But the good news is because they’re wild, you’re not likely to find them sprawled around your house—what a relief.

For most house centipedes, no matter how potent their venom is, it’s usually harmless to your dog.

However, a couple of bites will potentially result in a more severe reaction.

Symptoms of a Centipede Sting or Bite on a Dog

How can you tell your dog has been bitten or stung by a centipede?

Watch out for any of these symptoms:

1. A Hive or Bump

After a centipede bite, it’ll typically be reddish and swollen on the area where the dog was bitten.

And on taking a closer look, you’ll notice some small puncture wounds or pin-like pricks.

2. Severe Drooling

Severe drooling, also known as inflammation response, is another indicator your dog has a centipede bite in the mouth.

Don’t let your dog’s drooling get to you.

It’s  just a dog’s normal biological response to inflammation, and your pet has no control over it.

Interestingly, drooling helps clean the wound, accelerating the healing process.

3. Excessive Attention or Licking of the Bite

A centipede sting is likely to cause some discomfort and mild pain to the bit area, causing your dog to lick or pick at the affected area in an attempt to eliminate the discomfort.

The area your pup picks at and how frequently he does it can give you a good idea of the level of pain they’re experiencing.

4. Discomfort or Pain

Whining, panting, or any other indicator that the dog seems off may signal that your dog is uncomfortable or in pain.

If the pain is notably a lot, you may want to consider visiting your local vet for a check-up.

5. Restlessness and Lack of Appetite

Is there a sudden lack of appetite or restlessness in your doggo?

If so, that’s enough indication that he’s struggling with a centipede bite.

At this point, the best you can do is book an appointment with your vet to ensure your dog is okay.

What Should You Do If a Centipede Bites Your Dog?

Well, don’t panic. It’s during moments like these (after getting bitten or stung by a centipede) that your dog needs you most.

With these simple steps, both you and your dog can overcome this experience as stress-free and pain-free as possible.

1. Separate the Dog from the Centipede Soonest Possible

Fishing around your pet’s mouth is not fun, especially if it’s in search of a squirmy centipede.

However, you’ll want your dog to drop the centipede as soon as possible.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ll have to command him to drop whatever is in his mouth or manually make him drop it. Just ensure to separate them as fast as possible.

2. Be Composed and Calm

If you stay composed and calm, your dog will follow suit.

You want to soothe your dog to calm it.

So don’t freak out.

Instead, try to maintain a low voice and gentle touch.

Doing so will comfort your dog and make them feel safe and okay.

You’ll be amazed to see your dog won’t have a vigorous emotional and physical reaction to the bite or sting.

3. Look Out for Signs of a Sting or Bite

Are you both calm and inside the house?

If so, your dog is now safe from any more troubles, and you can now look them over again for more bites.

Keep an eye on the bitten area and the other symptoms as well.

4. Consult Your Vet

Talking to your vet can be of great importance.

Bring them up to speed on what transpired to help them advise you on the next course of action.

The vet may decide to come in and physically examine your pup or guide you on the severe symptoms to look out for.

How to Treat a Centipede Sting/Bite on your Dog

Once you identify the bitten area, some first aid at home can go a long way in calming the dog’s emotional and physical discomfort.

Here’s what else you can do for your pet:

  • Clean the affected area with warm, clean water: Carefully remove any poisonous hairs or stingers left, then rinse the wound with warm water using a damp towel. Avoid using any sprays or detergents as these may make the reaction more severe because dogs are sensitive to most skin products.
  • Cool the skin with Ice: You can help ease the pain and swelling with ice. Wrap some ice in a towel or piece of cloth and hold it against the wound for some minutes. Ensure the towel isn’t excessively cold.

Be sure the swelling is a normal one and not an allergic reaction.

If it appears like too much swelling for a simple bite, you’re better off calling your vet.

How to Eliminate Centipedes Without Harming Your Dog

If these many-legged house pests are sheltering in your home, you don’t need to use chemicals to get rid of them, as these could harm your pet.

Use these all-natural methods:

Do Away with Their Habitats

Get rid of those spaces in your storage room or basement that act as a habitat to centipedes by keeping these rooms clean, dry, and bright.

In so doing, you’ll keep away centipedes and other pests too.

Store Stuff on Shelves Instead of on the Floor

Invest in solid and durable shelves to store your belongings and keep them in a spaced-out manner.

When you avoid storing stuff on the ground, it leaves the centipedes with nowhere to thrive.

They’ll be forced to seek shelter elsewhere.

Keep Your Home Clean

It’s no secret that centipedes hide in dusty and dumpy areas as that’s where their food is found.

Therefore, by keeping your home clean and dust-free, you’ll be making conditions unfavorable for centipedes to live.

Clear Dead Wood and Excessive Stones out of your Yard

Dead wood and layers of huge stones provide a perfect habitat for centipedes.

As you wouldn’t want your pet to carry in a centipede, clear these dark, moist areas in your yard.

The centipedes will have no place to hide.

Air Out your Home Often

Centipedes love moisture.

Therefore, airing out your home with some fresh air now and then is essential to dry up the wetness in your kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

It’ll pay off, you’ll see.

The centipedes won’t like it in your home.

Hire Pest Control Experts

Sometimes, you may need some help to eliminate centipede nests in your home.

In such situations, it’s best to seek the services of pest control experts.

It’ll solve your problems and save you a lot of time and energy.

Take Away

Now you know more about centipedes. You understand which centipedes are poisonous, what to do when your dog suffers a centipede bite, how to treat the wound, and how to get rid of centipedes without harming your dog.

We hope you find this information helpful in dealing with centipede encounters.

Always monitor your furry friend for any allergic reaction any time he encounters a centipede or any worms or bugs, for that matter.

If need be, seek veterinary care promptly.

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National Canine Research Association of America