Dealing with stings or bites

Sting / Ant Bite

Bee stings are a common cause of injury in dogs and cats.

Generally, they get stung on the face if they have been sniffing at the bee, or sometimes on the feet if they stand on one. Similarly, ant bites around the feet are common though can also be elsewhere if the pet has been sleeping near a nest.

Most of the time they hurt a lot, and swell a little but are not life-threatening and will resolve themselves.

Usually, a bee sting can remain swollen for a day or two, and an ant bite is usually a little less depending on the type of ant.

If they stop breathing, you may need to give them breaths through their nose while holding their muzzle closed. If you have human antihistamines at home, you can usually give one safely to help reduce the reaction before you can get to the vet.

It is worth noting that bee sting allergies can worsen with each sting. So, a pet that has only a mild or moderate reaction to a sting could later have a much more severe one, so don’t assume they won’t have an allergic response just because last time it didn’t seem major. Monitor closely either way.