What to do if Your Pet is Stung by a Bee or Wasp
Sometimes, our pets chase things they shouldn’t - including bees and wasps. This is especially common in the summertime when you’re out walking, but stings can also occur if your cat or dog has access to a garden. Typically, dogs and cats are stung on their face, near their nose or mouth, or on their paws.
In the majority of cases, your pet will be absolutely fine; the sting will likely cause them irritation but shouldn’t be serious. However, there are cases where bee and wasp stings can be more severe. If your pet is allergic to the sting, it can even be fatal. With this in mind, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to identifying and dealing with bee or wasp stings:
If you can see the sting, pull it out with a pair of tweezers. There will be a venom sac attached to the barb, so make sure you pull the barb out underneath the sac. You don’t want to squeeze this as the venom from the sac could travel further into your dog or cat’s skin.
If your pet has been stung inside their mouth or on their throat, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. Swelling could affect their breathing and allergic reactions to stings in this area could be fatal.
Bathe the affected area with clean water
Once you’ve pulled the barb out, wash the affected area gently with clean, cool water. This will help the irritation to subside and could also help to reduce swelling. If you have any ice to hand, consider applying some to the area. The easiest way to apply the water or ice is with a soft cloth, such as a tea towel.
Look for signs of an allergic reaction
If your dog or cat is showing signs of an allergic reaction, you need to call a vet as soon as you can. Allergic reactions can be fatal so it’s important to act quickly. Common signs of an allergic reaction to bee and wasp stings are breathing difficulties, collapsing or intense swelling in the affected area (especially around the mouth or throat).
As we’ve mentioned, bee and wasp stings can be extremely uncomfortable, and sometimes even dangerous, for dogs and cats. With this in mind, it’s important to have a wasp or bee infestation at home taken care of as soon as you’ve spotted the signs.
If you’ve spotted the telltale signs of an infestation at your house in South Wales, look no further than Mr Wasp for effective pest control services. We can take care of bee, wasp and hornet problems safely and efficiently at highly affordable prices. For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
