Current Phoenix Weather:
advertisement
12 December 2022
Scorpions, like other arachnids, can make even the bravest of people head for the hills. Even though they play an essential role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations, they can still threaten you and your pet.
advertisement
Even though not all scorpion species are deadly, they are all venomous. Their venom is used both for hunting and self-defense. There are over 70 scorpion species in the United States, but only the Arizona bark scorpion can be considered deadly to pets. Even though most scorpion stings aren’t usually fatal to people, getting stung by one will ruin your day and can cause pain and tissue damage.
If your dog gets stung by a scorpion, you may hear him yelp in pain and see him hold a paw up in protest. You may notice dilated and watery eyes, drooling, trembling and tremors, difficulty breathing, and even collapse as the venom circulates through his body.
If your cat were to get stung by a scorpion, the signs might not be as clear as if your dog were to have an encounter. The common myth is that cats are immune to scorpion stings, but your cat is not. Likely, this myth came about due to several close calls in which scorpions almost stung cats but did not. In addition, cats tend to conceal signs of pain or weakness more than dogs (or humans, for that matter), which may be misinterpreted as immunity.
Scorpions are easily avoided and hunted by cats. In dim or dark conditions, their night vision allows them to spot scorpions more easily. In addition, they dodge scorpions’ attempts to sting them due to their fur’s protection and agility. Nonetheless, if you suspect your cat has been stung, follow the same steps for your cat that you would if you suspect your dog has been stung.
A scorpion sting should be treated as an emergency if you suspect your pet has been stung by one. Call your veterinarian ahead to let them know you’ll be coming in and find out what you can do at home.
When you can get to the vet within minutes, you may not have to do anything yourself; however, you may need to give an oral antihistamine if you live far away. Your vet will tell you how much of what strength to give.
Apply a cold compress to the sting and prevent your pet from licking it en route to the vet. Your vet can administer an injectable antihistamine once you arrive, remove the stinger (if it is still present) and clean the wound. They may also prescribe injections of pain medications for you to administer at home.
advertisement
Scorpions are more afraid of you than you are of them. The scorpion prefers to run and hide rather than stand and fight. Always check your shoes, as they like to hide in dark, damp places. Make sure your home’s exterior doors and windows are sealed. Keep your dog from digging in the yard, and cats should be kept indoors as much as possible.
During the rainy months or extra hot months, be extra vigilant for scorpions finding shelter in your home. An easy way to spot scorpions, shine a UV blacklight; many scorpions will glow.
In Arizona, scorpions are just a fact of life. But, despite their terrifying appearance, they can help control insects that might be even more annoying to us. Keeping an eye on what your pet is doing indoors and outdoors can keep you and them safe from being stung. Please consult your veterinarian if you have questions about scorpion stings or what you can do to help protect your pet.
advertisement
Arizona is a state brimming with wild-west history, and one of its most celebrated traditions is the rodeo! Rodeos in Arizona provide a dynamic glimpse into this storied past, blending rugged cowboy skills with the high-octane energy of modern competition. advertisement Arizona Rodeo History Rodeo in Arizona traces its roots back to the late 1800s, reflecting the challenges and lifestyles of early cattle ranchers and cowboys. In Arizona, ranch hands faced the daily grind of herding cattle, breaking wild horses, and wrangling in the intense desert environment. Born out of necessity, the Rodeo was a way for these cowboys to
Arizona’s history is rich with tales of pioneers, miners, ranchers, and outlaws, but none are as infamous as the Cochise County Cowboys. These figures became synonymous with lawlessness in the late 1800s, and their stories spread far beyond the state’s borders. But what exactly made these cowboys so notorious? advertisement The Wild West Era and the Birth of Tombstone In the 1870s, the area that would become Tombstone, Arizona, was a barren stretch of land, home only to a few scattered settlements. But the town exploded when Ed Schieffelin, a prospector, discovered silver in the Tombstone Hills. By 1880, Tombstone
The Bobcats in Tucson Project (BIT), was launched by a group of Arizona Game and Fish retirees. They have provided insights into the lives of bobcats as they thrive in Tucson’s urban environments. The study, which ran from 2019 to 2024, highlighted the challenges and successes of bobcats coexisting with the human population in a sprawling city. advertisement The Bobcats in Tucson Project The BIT was driven by a team of wildlife experts, including Cheryl Mollohan, Kerry Baldwin, Al LeCount, Ron Day, and Dave Brown. They brought over 150 years of combined experience in wildlife research, management, and education. Their
As Arizona’s population continues to grow rapidly, the state faces the challenge of building a more efficient and sustainable transportation network to accommodate its residents. From urban sprawl in Phoenix to the quieter rural areas, Arizona’s transportation infrastructure is under increasing pressure. However, through a series of forward-thinking initiatives and innovative projects, Arizona is working to address these growing demands. While enhancing safety, sustainability, and mobility for cars, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit users alike. advertisement Past Improvements and the Challenges Ahead Over the past few decades, Arizona has made great strides in expanding and upgrading its road infrastructure. Major
advertisement
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |