If you’ve seen Pooches at Play lately, you may have spotted a familiar face on screen. I went on to share practical advice on a topic many Aussie pet parents worry about: bites and stings from bees, snakes, and spiders.
Hosted by canine expert Lara Shannon, joined by veterinarian Dr Melissa Meehan and other leading pet experts, the show continues to be a trusted source of practical pet advice, covering everything from training and behaviour to health, grooming and everyday care.
Watch our quick segment on Pooches at Play where I offer insights from both a veterinary and claims perspective.
What pet owners should know about bites and stings
When it comes to bites and stings, not every situation looks dramatic right away. Some pets will show obvious signs of pain or swelling. Others may seem relatively normal at first, even when the problem is serious.
The biggest takeaway is simple: if you are unsure, it is always safest to speak with a vet.
🕷️ Spider bites are less common than many owners think
Spider bites sound alarming, but they are actually not the most common issue vets see.
“Spider bites wouldn’t be that common. Spiders are more used to avoiding and scurrying away.”
This doesn’t mean they cannot happen; spider bites just tend to be less frequent. Still, if you suspect your pet has been bitten by a spider and they seem unwell, it’s worth getting vet advice. Signs such as swelling, weakness, or sudden changes in behaviour shouldn’t be ignored.
🐝 Bee stings are quite common
Bee stings, on the other hand, are something vets see much more often, especially in dogs.
“Bee stings can vary anywhere from like a localized reaction where the animal might just be sore or swollen locally.”
A pet with a simple local reaction may limp, lick at the area, or seem sore and uncomfortable. If you can see the stinger, you can try to gently scrape it off.
However, some situations may need much faster action. Some pet breeds can be particularly vulnerable if they are stung around the face due to their physical features as swelling may become more serious.
More importantly, any pet can experience an anaphylactic reaction, which is a life-threatening emergency.
“If you think your pet might be having a more severe reaction or if you’re not even sure, the best thing to do would be to take them to the vet straight away.”
🚨 Snake bites need urgent veterinary attention
Snake bites are considered very urgent. In Australia, they are a real risk and are especially common in more rural settings.
One of the challenges with snake bites is that pets do not always look critically unwell straight away. But you should never wait to see whether things get worse. If you think there has been a snake bite, go to the vet immediately.
“Safest thing to do is to keep yourself safe, obviously not going anywhere near the snake, particularly if it’s in the house. Keeping calm as much as possible and then calling your vet ahead of time and getting there as soon as possible.”
When you take your pet to the vet for a snake bite, it is crucial to call your vet ahead of time, as not all veterinary clinics may have antivenom in stock. Calling first also lets you confirm whether the clinic is equipped to help, and it gives the veterinary team time to prepare.
How Knose supports your pet from stings, bites, and more
Injuries and emergencies can happen quickly, even on an ordinary day at home or on a walk. Unfortunately, in these circumstances, unexpected fees are also inevitable.
“For a simple bee sting, you might just be looking at a consultation and some kind of medication. That can be a few hundred dollars up to a more extensive treatment. It could be in the many thousands of dollars if there’s a really severe reaction.”
That’s where having pet insurance can make a real difference. Knose helps Australian pet owners manage the cost of eligible unexpected vet treatment, so they can focus on getting their pet the care they need.
Knose covers*:
- Allergic reactions to insect bites
- Snake bite
- Skin allergies and infections
When something suddenly happens, it helps to know you have support behind you.
*Coverage for illnesses and injuries is subject to your selected plan, Knose Pet Insurance terms and conditions, and only applies where the condition is not a Pre-Existing Symptom or Condition and is outside any applicable Exclusion Periods. See the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
