The three dog breeds most at risk of insect stings – and the worrying symptoms you must watch out for

AS the weather fonally cools enough for afternoon dog walks, their risk of being stung rises. Bees become more active and are more likely to sting in August as their natural food sources dwindle, and they aggressively defend their hives. A bee sting can be a big danger to dogs Credit: Getty Dogs can be most at risk in summer months in long grass areas and gardens To help dog owners, Petplan has revealed what owners need to know to keep their pets safe this summer. Pooches can be very good at hiding pain, meaning a sting may not be immediately obvious – especially if you weren’t there when it happened. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! But some dogs – like people – can experience a severe and potentially dangerous allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, to insect venom. This usually occurs within the first hour, but can develop over several hours. Key symptoms to look out for include severe swelling around the face, throat or eyes, which could affect the airways, and wheezing or difficulty breathing. Vomiting or diarrhoea, excessive drooling, dizziness and weakness can also be worrying signs of an allergy to a sting – as well as seizures, collapse, disorientation and pale gums. You should contact your vet immediately if you spot any of these signs in your pet. The team at Petplan say: “If your dog is stung by a bee or wasp, they will usually experience pain, irritation and mild swelling at the site, much like a human would. Most read in Fabulous “In most cases, this discomfort should ease after a short time. “However, multiple stings – for example, if a dog disturbs a beehive – or stings around the mouth or throat, where swelling could obstruct breathing, can be more serious. “Stings that trigger an allergic reaction may also require urgent veterinary attention.” Last year, Petplan revealed the owners of multibreed dogs made the most sting claims with 229 in total. Cocker spaniels came in second at 188 claims while cockapoos were third with 74 sting incidents. Comment now