Beating the bite & soothing the sting

• Use a debit or credit card to remove a bee sting. Never reach for the tweezers as you are likely to squeeze the poison sac and exasperate the reaction.

• Swipe the card across the skin to push the sting out.

• Bee sting venom is acidic. Applying a thick bicarbonate of soda paste made by mixing with water can soothe the area.

• Wasp venom is alkaline, acidic solutions including lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can reduce the pain.

• For both types of stings, a cool compress held on the area can reduce inflammation and help with pain. Use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin cloth (never directly apply ice to the skin).

• Arnica cream applied to the area can help soothed

Did you know? Some antihistamines can be dangerous, especially to epileptic dogs. Never be tempted to give any medication unless advised by your vet.

• If your dog suddenly becomes lame, check the foot for any sign of a sting.

• Swallowing/eating a wasp or bee can lead to swelling inside the mouth including the tongue and neck. Observe closely and see you vet if you start to notice any swelling as this can affect breathing.

Symptom checker

Know the signs of a severe reaction:

• Difficulties with breathing

• Severe swelling

• Immediate vomiting and/or diarrhoea

• Severe itching

• Excessive drooling

• Collapse

Noting one or more of these symptoms will require immediate veterinary treatment. This could indicate an anaphylactic reaction especially if the symptoms occur rapidly after the sting.

Although all dogs are at risk of developing a severe reaction, special attention needs to be given to our brachycephalic breeds (flat faced). Swelling around any dog’s airway is dangerous, but for these dogs a mild swelling around the face and/or airway can severely compromise breathing.

Beat the bite

Adder bites usually occur during the warmer months of April to July. But with changes in our climate, this window of possibility has increased, and bites are happening as late as September.

• All animal bites are classed as dirty, be it dog or adder. They respond best with minimal complications if treated within 6 hours.

• Reactions can vary, and often you are not aware your dog has been bitten.

• Approximately 5% of dogs will have a severe reaction, with the remainder showing similar symptoms as seen with a bee or wasp sting.

Bite response

If you see the snake and you are unsure if it is an adder, take a picture. Adders have a characteristic diamond pattern along their back. In the UK adders are protected, never harm them.

How can you help?

• Calm you dog immediately following a bite.

• Carry them if you can or sit with them for a few minutes, do not allow them to race around. Keep heart rate down.

• Never apply anything tight to the area such as a tourniquet. The venom will already be in your dog’s blood stream.

• Ignore the myth! Sucking the poison out is never advised and should not be attempted.

• Clean the area gently with a medical antiseptic wipe, always useful to keep these in a pet first-aid kit.

• You could also clean the area with some saline, or bottled water if this is all you have available.

• A cold compress will help soothe inflammation.

• Head to your vets, most cases will require simple medications only, anti-venom is reserved for the severely affected.

• Calm them down, keep your voice calm and if you cannot carry them walk them steadily back to your car.

The bite and sting survival kit!

Items to have in your canine first-aid kit to deal with these scenarios:

• Arnica cream

• Ice pack (never apply directly to the skin, wrap in a thin cloth)

• Alcohol/antiseptic wipes

• Saline pods

• Small pot of bicarbonate of soda

• Small pot of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• Your vets contact details including out of hours.