Bees Hover Around a Lovely Flower in Thailand
Summer means warmer weather and more opportunities for people and pets to engage in outdoor activities. Unfortunately, the potential for trauma and illness from being outdoors also increases significantly.
As part of FlexPet’s dedication to pet safety on a year round basis, we move onto the next topic in the Summertime Safety Series. Let’s make ourselves more aware of the outdoor settings and activities that harbor potential life threatening trauma for our pets.
Insect Venom
Plants, trees and flowers in bloom all attract pollen harvesting bees and other insects. Your curious canine or feline may unknowingly encounter a venomous insect buzzing around a flower’s blossom while exploring the environment or sniffing a preferred location to urinate.
Insect bites and bee stings can be embedded in any body part, but are most commonly seen in pets’ paws, legs, face and tongue. Mild or severe hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions can occur from the bee sting venom. Severe reactions can be potentially life threatening and require prompt attention.
Clinical signs of a hypersensitive reaction occur within minutes and include, but are not limited to:
- Hives (medical term = urticaria)
- Redness (erythema)
- Swelling (angioedema)
- Pain to the touch
- Lameness
- Disorientation
- Stumbling (ataxia)
- Vomiting (emesis)
- Diarrhea
- Pale pink or white gums