Insect stings are a common injury to household pets, specifically cats and dogs, so knowing the signs, treatment, and how urgent the insect sting is, is vital knowledge for any pet owner to keep their pets safe. Many insects can sting pets, though bees and wasps are the most common causes of insect stings.
Signs of an insect sting can vary in pets depending on what has stung the pet, location of the sting, and whether the animal has a mild or severe reaction to the sting. Common signs of an insect sting are swelling at the sting location, possibly a stinger or venom sac at the location of the sting, and the pet scratching or pawing at the sting location. More severe signs of having been stung can include significant swelling, …show more content…
If it is a bee sting a baking soda and water mix should be applied to the sting first to neutralise the sting (as bee venom is acidic and baking soda is alkaline), if it is a wasp sting vinegar on a cloth or pad should be applied to the sting first to neutralise the sting (as wasp venom is alkaline and vinegar is acidic). Aloe vera can also help soothe the sting. The area should be kept covered to keep the pet from irritating the sting further. Veterinary attention should be sought to check the pet, especially if what has stung the pet is …show more content…
This can cause problems with heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is the result of excessive body temperature or a body temperature that is too high, this is also called hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion can be caused by the environment being too warm, or by overexertion in exercise.
Dogs are at greater risk of heat stroke, often due to being confined in an area with a high temperature and little ventilation. Dogs who have thick coats, are overweight, are short-nosed or have breathing difficulties, have medical conditions, or are elderly are more at risk of heat stroke and greater caution should be taken to prevent heat exhaustion.
Signs of heat exhaustion can vary depending on the severity, though signs include a high body temperature, excessive panting and salivation, vomiting, anxiety, disorientation and dizziness, collapse and weakness, appearing sleepy or lethargic, dehydration, rapid heart rate (which can be checked by the pulse in the inner hind legs), unconsciousness, and bright red gums (called mucous