Does your pet have a scary reaction to stings or bites?

For some pets, a sting or bite isn’t a minor event — it triggers dramatic swelling or a dangerous reaction. Testing and treatment can reduce the risk.

Signs you might notice

Sudden swelling or hives

Swelling or welts that appear soon after a sting or bite

Facial swelling

Puffiness of the face or muzzle

Strong sting reactions

Intense responses to bees, wasps, or ants

A pattern of reactions

A history of repeated dramatic reactions to insects

What's really going on

Just like people, some pets are allergic to insect venom, and reactions can range from uncomfortable hives to a dangerous, whole-body response.

Reactions can become more severe with repeated exposure, so identifying the sensitivity is worthwhile.

Specialized testing can pinpoint the specific venom your pet reacts to, which opens the door to reducing the risk.

How a specialist helps

A dermatologist reviews your pet’s reaction history, performs targeted venom testing, and — when appropriate — builds a desensitization (immunotherapy) plan to lessen the severity of future reactions.

They’ll also give you a clear action plan for what to do if your pet is stung again.

What to expect at your visit

A review of your pet’s reaction history
Specialized testing for venom sensitivities
A custom immunotherapy plan when appropriate
An emergency action plan and medications for acute reactions

Common questions

Yes — severe reactions can escalate, so identifying the sensitivity helps you and your specialist plan ahead.

Get help for your pet

Request a visit with our team and we'll take it from here.