Small, even invisible, pet threats to be aware of while RVing

Most RVing pet owners know about the big threats to pets, like alligators, coyotes, or even other campground pets. You may be surprised to learn that there are also small, even invisible, pet threats when RVing! Take a closer look and see for yourself.

Pesky insects

Bees, wasps, hornets, and other flying insects pose a threat to pets—even if you keep your pet inside your RV. (Who hasn’t had a bee accidentally come through that RV screen door?) These small flying nuisances can cause big trouble for a pet who is stung multiple times on the face or neck. While the pain may eventually subside, if your pet is allergic to a sting, her condition may quickly worsen. Contact a local vet or pet emergency hospital right away.

Signs of a sting

You may not immediately notice that your pet has been stung. However, here are the typical warning signs for an allergic reaction to stings:

• Welts or hives on the skin or redness at site
• Swelling at the eyes, nose, neck, or ear flaps
• Weakness
• Itching (can be severe)
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse

If you are camping in a remote area, call your pet’s home veterinarian. You may be able to treat the allergic reaction with Benadryl.

Note: Always call to get your vet’s recommendation and if medications are recommended, find out the appropriate dosage for your furry friend.

Ticks, fleas and ants

Responsible pet owners regularly treat their pets for ticks and fleas. (This is your reminder if you haven’t treated yours lately!) Keep up with your pet’s grooming and remember to check your pet for ticks every time you return from a walk or time outside.

If fleas or ticks are a reoccurring problem in the campground, see if the property manager is willing to remove any debris and mow the grass more frequently. Both of these measures can help mitigate the issue.

When it comes to ants, fire ants cause the most problems—other ant species are not as aggressive. Fire ants are generally reddish brown and are the most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They typically build a mound in a sunny area for their nest and will quickly swarm to attack anything that disturbs their home.

Here are some precautions you can take to protect your pet from fire ant bites:

• Fire ants are most prevalent in the southeastern parts of the U.S. Be especially vigilant when RVing in these areas.
• Before fencing your dog’s area, tethering him, or taking your pooch to the campground dog park, check the area to see if fire ants are present.
• If you find a fire ant nest, alert the campground manager. Keep your pet well away from the nest and be especially watchful as you hike in the area with your dog.

If your dog accidentally disturbs a fire ant nest, quickly move her away from it. Wear gloves to brush off as many ants as you can. (It’s recommended that you not attempt to hose off the ants. The water spray only makes them bite harder to hold on.)

Once the ants are removed, you can apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste and apply it directly to the bites to reduce itching and irritation.

Here are some signs your pet has been bitten by fire ants:

• Agitation (frantic rolling, biting, and rubbing the area affected by bites)
• Scratching or licking affected areas
• Swollen, red bumps sometimes filled with pus

If your pet is allergic to the venom injected in a fire ant bite, you should contact emergency help immediately. Here are signs to look for:

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of face, neck, ear flaps
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness
• Vomiting/diarrhea

If your pet exhibits these symptoms, call for help right away.

Invisible threats

Along with small, visible threats, your pet can also be hurt by invisible dangers.

Bacterial infections

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can adversely affect your pet’s liver and/or kidneys. Dogs can be vaccinated against this invisible threat, but cats cannot. Leptospirosis spreads through the urine of cattle, mice, and other mammals. Pets then contract the infection by sniffing, walking, drinking, or swimming in affected areas. To avoid this danger, do not allow pets to drink water or enter areas where the bacteria may be present.

Toxic plants

You are undoubtedly aware of any dangerous plants, flowers, and noxious weeds around your own stix-n-brix home. You may not, however, know the plants that may harm your pets when traveling away from home.

The best prevention against poisoning is to keep a close eye on your pets when they are outside. Do not allow them to chew or eat anything other than the food and treats you provide for them. If you think your pet has ingested a poison, contact a vet immediately. (If you have a sample of the noxious plant, take it with you to the emergency pet hospital.)

Have you ever experienced a pet emergency while RVing? Please tell me about it in the comments below.

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