By: Animal Sue

 

It is that time of year when noses are into everything! Oh those intriguing smells! The noses are into lawns, weeds, bushes, mulch etc. In those places ants, bees, hornets, wasps and spiders can bite or sting your pet.

What do you do if there is a problem with stings, bites and a reaction occurs? Do you know what to do? What if your dogs’ tongue started to swell and there is difficulty breathing? Do you know what to do? How much time do you really have? Why wait to find out? Do the following now and you will not only buy time for your pet, but you just may save its life.

First....check with your Vet now if Benedryl is okay with your dog and what is the safe dosage based on its weight. Or, if your Vet recommends another type of over the counter antihistamine product.

I suggest the liquid capsules for 2 reasons. The first is you can stick a pin in the capsule and squirt it in the mouth for immediate absorption. You don’t have to try to get the dog to swallow if it is in distress. Secondly, many pets like people are allergic to the dyes in the tablets. Tablets are fine for non-emergency situations, but if the tongue or face is swelling rapidly, this will help buy time so you can get your dog to the Vet. When you get the box of antihistamine home, tape a paper with each of your dogs names and the proper dosage.  Tape a safety pin also to the box. Now your ready in case of an emergency.

Second...How to remove the stinger? Do not use your fingers or tweezers and pull it out. You will inject more poison into the skin. Instead, grab a credit card or another type of hard surface like a key and place the hard edge under the stinger to lift it up and then flick it out.

What are some signs that your dog was bitten? Pain, redness, localized swelling at the bite or sting site. Your dog may paw, lick or scratch at the injury site. Bites and stings are usually not life threatening, unless the pet has a severe allergic reaction to the substance. Do you know if your pet is sensitive to this? Don’t wait to find out.

Treat the dog’s symptoms as they present themselves and do what you can to make the pet comfortable. Apply an over the counter antihistamine lotion or calamine cream to the area.  Oral antihistamines may also be administered.

If your dog has a severe reaction, follow the veterinarians’s instructions prior to transporting your pet. Signs and symptoms for severe anaphylactic shock include extreme swelling at the injury site, breathing problems, vomiting, excessive salivation, restlessness, seizure and unconsciousness. Death is imminent because of rapid respiratory and circulatory deterioration. Knowing the correct dose and having it handy saves time! Do you have your Vet’s phone number and an Emergency Center number on the refrigerator or message board? Now is the time to have those numbers where you can get to them in a few seconds.

It is always better to know what to do and have instructions handy.

I hope you never have to use them, but in case you do, you just

may save your pet’s life.