First aid for dogs and cats
Adder bites and stings
Sudden swelling, often of the face or a leg, after being in long grass, heathland or woods.
When to go to a vet
Adder bites need a vet straight away. For stings, call a vet if the swelling is on the face or throat, or if there are many stings.
What to do
- Adder bites: keep your pet as calm and still as possible. Carry them if you can, to slow the venom spreading. Call a vet and go now.
- Bee stings: if you can see the sting, scrape it off sideways with a bank card. Don’t squeeze it.
- Wasp stings leave no sting behind. A cold compress can ease swelling.
- Watch closely for swelling around the face or throat, breathing changes, being sick or collapse. These need a vet straight away.
Don't
- Don't cut, suck or put a tourniquet on a snake bite.
- Don't give human antihistamines unless a vet tells you the dose.
Other first aid guides
First aid is not a substitute for a vet. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet.