A VET has issued an urgent warning and advice on what to do for dogs facing a common threat this summer.
You may start to see more bees buzzing around your pet as the weather warms and flowers bloom.
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Bees are more active in the spring and summer months so it's crucial that pet-owners know what to do in the event their dog is stung.
Nina Downing, a veterinary nurse at charity PDSA has offered advice if your dog or cat gets stung over the coming months.
She said: “Insect bites and stings are quite common in dogs during the spring, summer and early autumn.
“They're most often stung or bitten around their face or paws, as these are the bits of them that go investigating first!”
Signs that your dog or cat has been stung by a bee could include mild swelling, drooling or whining and crying.
Nina added: “If you notice any of these then have a look through your pet's fur – if they've been stung by a bee there may be a stinger left behind.
“If you see a stinger left in their skin, it's important not to try and pull it out with tweezers or your fingers – this could squeeze more venom into your dog, causing more pain.”
Instead, dog-owners can use the edge of a credit card under the venom sac which may look like a yellow-coloured blob.
From there, you can use the credit card to gently scrape out the sting.
You can then use a cold, damp cloth on the affected area to help reduce the swelling and sooth your dog's skin.
If your dog is comfortable with it, it might also be helpful to use an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel.
An anti-histamine may also be beneficial but it's important to seek advice from your vet first.
They will advise on the appropriate medication and dosage for your pet.
Some may turn to home remedies such as using vinegar for wasp stings or bicarbonate and water for bee stings.
However, while these may not cause your pet any harm, there's little evidence to suggest these methods will help relieve symptoms.
Nina says: “If your pet has suffered a bite or a sting, it's important to monitor them closely for signs of an allergic reaction.
“Allergic reactions are fairly rare, but they can happen.
“Signs include hives or a severe rash, rapid swelling around the affected area, rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing, vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse.
“If you notice any of these things, then call your vet straight away.
Usually pets will only experience mild symptoms when bitten and, in most cases, these can be treated at home.
Signs to look out for if your dog has been stung
If you're dog or cat has been stung by a bee, you might notice the following symptoms:
- Mild swelling in the affected area
- Licking, biting, or pawing the area
- Whining and crying
- Limping or holding up a paw
- Drooling
Veterinary nurse, Nina Downing from the PDSA charity also warns of stingers being left behind in your dog's fur if they've been stung.
She said: “If you notice any of these then have a look through your pet's fur – if they've been stung by a bee there may be a stinger left behind.
“If you see a stinger left in their skin, it's important not to try and pull it out with tweezers or your fingers – this could squeeze more venom into your dog, causing more pain.”
A bite or sting may also cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Hives or a severe rash
- Rapid swelling around the affected area
- Difficulty in breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Collapse
If you see any of these symptoms, Nina advises to contact your vet straight away.
A leading vet also recently issued a warning to take extra care as ticks thrive in warmer weather.
They urged dog-owners to watch out for ten symptoms of Lyme disease which can lead to kidney failure in dogs if not treated early.
Pet owners themselves have been warned too about the consequences of letting their dogs lick them.
Owners have also been advised to avoid this costly mistake if you let your pooch off the leash on a country stroll this summer.
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