What to Do If Your Dog Is Stung by a Scorpion

Prevention is the best plan to keep your pup safe.
Tracey L. Kelley headshot By Tracey L. Kelley September 22, 2022 Advertisement Pin FB More Tweet Email Send Text Message Print
closeup of a scorpion on sand; what to do if your dog is stung by a scorpion Credit: Tahreer Photography / Getty

Scorpion Species in the U.S.

There are approximately 70 scorpion species in North America, and roughly 10 of those are in the U.S. Though they're often thought of only as a desert creature, scorpions are actually found in many states outside of the West and Southwest, including Georgia, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, and Tennessee.

Here are some of the most common scorpion species across America:

Arizona bark, found throughout the Southwest and California
Giant desert hairy, located in the Southwest and California
Giant whip, predominantly located in the South and Southwest
Lesser stripetail, frequently in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas
Northern, found in the West, Northwest, and the Upper Midwest
Southern "Devil" unstriped, most often located in South and Southeast
Striped bark, found across much of the central and southern regions of the U.S.
Striped tail, most often in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas
Tailless whip, located in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida

Are Scorpions Dangerous to Dogs?

Sarah Carotenuto, DVM, DABVP, is an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. She says the majority of scorpions in the country don't affect our pets too much. Their venom is strong enough for their prey—usually insects—but doesn't impact dogs or humans the same way. "Though inconvenient, most scorpions in the U.S. cause pain and numbness at the sting site, which can persist for up to 72 hours," she says.

However, Carotenuto says there is one scorpion that's potentially dangerous to dogs: the Arizona bark scorpion. "Most large dogs do fine with a sting, but smaller dogs and cats can be more prone to problems," she explains.

The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) notes that in a small sample citizen science study featuring 65 dogs, only 13 percent of bigger dogs experienced more serious symptoms, compared to 39 percent of smaller dogs.

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Scorpion Sting Symptoms

The first four hours are critical in assessing how your dog reacts to a scorpion sting.

"Animals are commonly stung on the nose, when sniffing at a scorpion, or their paw, when trying to touch a scorpion," Carotenuto says. "Many times, when animals are stung, the owner will notice a red mark at the site (if the animal will let you examine it). More often, you may see an animal licking their paw or even limping slightly or rubbing their nose on the carpet as a sign of pain." Yelping and jumping back might also be an indication of a scorpion sting.

If a smaller dog is stung by a scorpion, the APDIC states they could display additional symptoms such as:

Changes in breathing
Drooling
Dilated or watery eyes
Restlessness
Tremors

Carotenuto adds that specific symptoms of an Arizona bark scorpion sting are more severe and include:

Pale gray gums
Acute vomiting or diarrhea
Acute collapse
Strange muscle twitches

What to Do If Your Dog Is Stung by a Scorpion

Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible you notice any symptoms of an Arizona bark sting. But if your pup tangled with a scorpion other than an Arizona bark and is showing signs of generalized irritation, Carotenuto's advice is to wash the sting site with warm soap and water. Once clean, apply a cool compress.

Call your veterinarian to let them know of the encounter, especially if you notice an embedded stinger. They might want you to come in so they can remove it. Your vet might also recommend giving your dog Benadryl.

Before going into the vet, Carotenuto says it helps to snap a picture of the scorpion "if you haven't smooshed it first" so your vet can know what they're dealing with.

"In general, don't be alarmed if your veterinarian tells you to monitor the animal at home," she says. "Most animals just need some time and TLC and will do fine."

Treatment for a Dog Stung by a Scorpion

If your dog displays more serious scorpion sting symptoms, was stung by an Arizona bark, or is prone to anaphylactic reactions (such as those related to bee stings), professional treatment is vital.

Carotenuto says the vet might give your dog intravenous fluids, epinephrine, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or other treatments, depending on the severity of the sting. "There's an antivenom available for Arizona bark scorpion stings, but it's very expensive and few veterinarians carry it, as it's best used within 10–20 minutes of a sting," she adds. "In a pinch, we can usually get a vial from a human trauma center if absolutely necessary."

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How to Prevent Scorpion Stings

Scorpions are primarily nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. To keep your dog safe from scorpions when out on an evening walk and during a pre-bedtime potty break, Carotenuto recommends using a black light, as most scorpions glow under its beam. These creatures love dark hiding spaces, such as under boards, clutter, logs, and rocks. Arizona barks can also be found on bushes, trees, and walls.

Arizona bark scorpio shown in black light Credit: Courtesy Sarah Carotenuto, DVM, DABVP (CF), Assistant Professor, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine

Scorpions often creep into the house in search of water and can slip through many unsealed entry points. Favorite nesting spaces include human and dog bedding, and they even hide in footwear. To root them out, shake and clean bedding frequently, and always check your shoes before putting them on.

If you notice a sharp-tailed, pinchy creature lurking about, the best bet to prevent your dog from being stung by a scorpion is to contact an extermination service.