'I'm a vet and you must do this immediately if your pet has been stung by a wasp'

Pets are at greater risk from insect, wasp and bee stings than humans, owing to their inquisitive nature and inclination to investigate or pursue flying insects.

As global temperatures soar, sting incidents amongst pets are on the rise, with warmer weather encouraging insect populations to flourish. Veterinarians have reported handling more cases than usual, according to May statistics.

With wasps, horse flies, ticks, and bees all extremely active at present it's imperative to always keep an eye on your pet and act immediately if you notice anything is amiss.

Indicators of a sting can include sudden yelping. Pets might also continuously lick the affected spot. Furthermore, it's essential to watch for swelling that could signal a severe reaction.

Matt Cayless, founder of UK-based pet marketing agency Bubblegum Search advises: "Cover outdoor food and water bowls when not in use. These attract wasps to areas where your pets spend time. Avoid [walks during] peak wasp hours between 10am and 4pm. Early morning or evening walks reduce encounter risks."

He added: "Natural deterrents work well around gardens. Cucumber slices and mint plants discourage wasps without harming pets, unlike chemical options that may cause problems."

Bubblegum Search also consulted Dr. Berkcan Yanar, a licensed veterinarian and reviewer at PawsRank, for guidance on what to do when a pet is stung this summer.

Pet stings

If a pet has been stung by a wasp, bee, or horsefly, the vet explains he typically observes very localised symptoms initially: sudden yelping or licking at a particular spot, swelling, redness, or a lump.

The vet explains: "Sometimes pets will limp if the sting is on the paw, or scratch at their face if it's near the muzzle. In most minor stings, the reaction is localised; however, I recommend that owners monitor for swelling of the head or throat, vomiting, weakness, or alterations in breathing, as these are indicative of a more severe allergic reaction. Any sudden collapse, pale gums, or respiratory distress is an emergency."

What to do immediately after

Dr Yanar suggests calmly restraining pets to prevent additional injury and then examining the site of the sting.

The vet explains: "If you see a bee stinger, remove it by scraping it sideways with a credit card rather than pinching it, since pinching will release more venom."

The seasoned veterinarian suggests applying a cool compress for a few minutes to ease pain and swelling. He additionally warns: "If your pet is showing any other symptoms besides mild local irritation, seek immediate contact with your veterinarian while continuing to keep your pet cool and calm."

When is it an emergency?

According to Dr Yanar, a sting or bite becomes an emergency in cats or dogs if there are signs of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction. These signs include:

• Rapid or laboured breathing; any respiratory distress
• Hives across the pet's body
• Pale gums
• Drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness or collapse
• Swelling that makes swallowing or breathing difficult

Reactions can occur within minutes and the vet strongly urges owners not to "wait and see" if these symptoms are spotted.

Dr Yanar cautions: "Immediate veterinary attention is necessary, as severe cases can be life-threatening if not treated promptly."

How to stop pets from being stung this summer

Preventing bites and stings during summer mainly involves controlling your pet's surroundings and environment. During walks, don't let pets poke their noses into flowers, bushes, or leaf piles where insects might be lurking.

In the garden, removing sweet-scented blooms or decaying fruit will cut down on bee and wasp visitors. When playing outdoors, it's advised to watch your pet closely and steer clear of peak insect activity periods, like midday heat when horseflies and wasps are at their busiest.

Are over-the-counter remedies safe?

Shop-bought medications are problematic with pets. Whilst certain antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can be safe when given in the proper dose, they should always be given under veterinary supervision.

Dr Yanar advises: "Human topical creams, such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion, can be toxic if ingested through licking, and most natural oils marketed for insect bites are toxic to dogs and cats. I recommend that owners avoid these unless they have previously consulted their veterinarian about particular safe products and dosages for their pet."