Bites and stings: what to do
Bites and stings range from a mild nuisance to a life-threatening emergency. The key is to identify what it was, spot the signs of a serious reaction and act fast. Most insect stings stay as local swelling, but it helps to know when to worry.
What to do by type
| Type | What to do |
|---|---|
| Bee / wasp | Scrape out the stinger (not with tweezers), gentle cold; watch for allergic reaction |
| Sting in the mouth or throat | Can swell the airway: emergency, go to the vet |
| Processionary caterpillar | Rinse the mouth with water without rubbing; very urgent, can damage the tongue |
| Snake | Life-threatening: keep the animal still and go now; no tourniquet or cuts |
| Spider / scorpion | Gentle cold, watch for general symptoms and consult the vet |
| Bite from another animal | Clean with saline and go to the vet (high infection risk) |
Bees and wasps
If you see the stinger, scrape it out with a card or your nail, not with tweezers (which would squeeze the venom sac). Apply gentle cold (cloth with ice, never ice directly) to reduce swelling. A sting is usually annoying but mild; the danger is the allergic reaction and stings in the mouth or throat, which can close the airway.
Snakes: always an emergency
A snake bite is a life-threatening emergency. Keep the animal as still as possible to slow the spread of venom, don't give it food or water and go immediately. Do not apply tourniquets, don't make cuts or try to suck out the venom, and don't apply ice: these are useless or harmful.
Bites from other animals
Even small-looking bites infect easily because fangs create deep wounds that close on the surface. Clean with saline, control the bleeding and go to the vet: it will likely need thorough cleaning and antibiotics. Also check vaccination status.
What the vet will do
Depending on the case they may give antihistamines or corticosteroids for the reaction, pain relief, fluid therapy and, for snake bites, antivenom and hospitalisation. For bites from other animals, cleaning, drainage and antibiotics.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it is a serious allergic reaction?
Fast-growing swelling, hives over the body, vomiting, weakness or difficulty breathing. It is an emergency: go to the vet immediately.
Should I go to the vet for a small bite?
Yes. Bites infect easily and are often deeper than they look. They should be assessed and are often treated with antibiotics.
Can I give it a human antihistamine?
Not on your own: the dose and type depend on the animal and some are dangerous. Call the vet, who will tell you whether it is appropriate and how much.
It was stung in the mouth, is that serious?
It can be: swelling in the mouth or throat can make breathing hard. Treat it as an emergency and go to the vet.
What do I do if it touches a processionary caterpillar?
Rinse the mouth and area with plenty of water without rubbing and go immediately: its stinging hairs can seriously damage the tongue and mouth.
Is ice directly on the sting a good idea?
Apply cold but always with a cloth in between, never ice directly on the skin, to avoid cold injury.
This is first-aid guidance only and does not replace a vet's diagnosis. In any emergency, contact a professional.
