Spring has sprung! Flowers are blooming and insects are buzzing around our gardens and parks, but what do you do if your curious cat or dog is stung by a bee or wasp?
If you’ve been stung by a bee or wasp sting yourself you know just how much it hurts, and unfortunately it hurts just as much for your fur baby.
Bee and wasp stings can not only be painful but some pets can also have an allergic reaction with severe cases causing their airways to close.
If your pet has been stung you can use first aid which may help reduce swelling and pain, however it is imperative to keep a close eye on your pet and if the their conditions worsen head straight to your vet.
Dr. Jason Nicholas, from Preventative Vet advises to always be aware and know what to look for.
“The severity of any pet’s reaction to a sting is difficult to predict and can be highly variable, even within the same pet on subsequent stings,” he said
SIGNS:
- Hives or welts on the skin
- Swollen eyes
- Stings on the face, mouth and lips are common (especially as some pets try to eat bees or wasps), but can sometimes be on the feet as well.
- A swelling at the site of the sting
- Drooling
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Pain at the site of the sting
- Itchiness at the site of the bite or over the whole body
- Pawing at the mouth
- Breathing problems
- General weakness or collapsing
If there is wide spread swelling (particularly around the face and/or neck) intense itchiness, breathing problems or collapse take your pet to the vet immediately for evaluation and treatment.
FIRST AID:
- Remove the stinger. If you can locate it use an old credit card or finger nail to remove stinger avoiding tweezers as they can squeeze the venom sack and worsen the reaction causing additional pain.
- Reduce swelling with a cool washer, washing the area with cool water or applying ice to the affected area (5 mins ice on, 5 mins ice off for the first hour or two).
- Keep your pet calm and as still as possible, excessive exercise will increase blood supply to the area causing pain and swelling.
- Observe your fur baby closely and if symptoms worsen seek veterinary advice. Also if several days pass and the swelling doesn’t subside notify your vet.
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