Pet First Aid for Pet Professionals Level 3 (VTQ)

177 videos, 8 hours and 35 minutes

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Insect Stings - vets comments

Video 161 of 177
2 min 28 sec
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Insect Stings in Pets

Common Occurrence in Animals

Insect stings are frequent in animals due to their curious nature. They tend to investigate flying insects or objects on the ground, leading to potential stings.

Locations and Symptoms

Stings often occur around the head and may even happen inside the mouth, causing:

  • Pain and Swelling: Stings can be painful and result in swelling.
  • Oral Reactions: Pets may rub the affected area or show increased salivation if stung in the mouth.
  • Visible Signs: Sometimes, pets may expel the insect or exhibit noticeable discomfort.

Treatment and Management

While some stings may resolve on their own, monitor for:

  • Swelling: Keep an eye on swelling and watch for signs of infection.
  • Veterinary Attention: Seek veterinary care if swelling is severe or if there are signs of infection.
  • Medication: Treatment typically involves antihistamines or anti-inflammatories.
  • Anaphylactic Reactions: In severe cases, anaphylactic reactions may occur, requiring urgent veterinary intervention.

If a sting, such as a bee sting, leaves the stinger embedded, use a hard, flat object like a credit card to safely scrape it out, avoiding squeezing more venom into the pet.