We all look forward to the warmer weather, but as much as we enjoy being out in the sun, so do the insects that have been hunkering down over the colder months.

We see a lot of bee and wasp stings in the summer months. Dogs and cats like to chase moving objects, they’ll snatch at flies and spiders, and dogs will explore the garden and outdoors with their noses to the ground. The risk of a sting can be high and the younger and more inquisitive the pet, the more likely they will come across a stinging bug!

The most common places to get stung are either on a pad or on the muzzle. A sting to the face can result in a dramatically swollen muzzle/lip, whereas a sting to the foot or pad might cause mild swelling, lameness or tenderness. Some dogs will get a more generalised allergic reaction with multiple raised skin lumps called wheals or hives that can appear all over their body.

Any sting should be monitored closely for signs of an allergic reaction
Fortunately, serious anaphylactic reactions are very rare. Severe signs could include difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, nausea, weakness or pale gums. In those situations, prompt veterinary treatment is essential.

If your pet has been bitten by a bee or wasp, in most cases anti-inflammatories or anti-histamines will treat the local signs of inflammation and prevent the further progression of symptoms. If a stinger is still in the skin then careful removal will prevent further release of the sting toxin. Any pet that has been stung should be monitored closely for signs of an allergic reaction. If a bee barb is seen, topical treatment with a weak solution of bicarbonate of soda can help to neutralise the toxin. Any significant swelling is best dealt with by a trip to your vet.