Dog's near-death experience highlights deadly wasp danger for pets, warns vet

An owner feared his dog was going to die when it was found lifeless after being stung several times in the mouth after eating a wasp. 

One-year-old Zebra had to be rushed to The Veterinary Clinic in Sutton Coldfield where he was given an urgent injection to save him. 

Now, with many wasps and bees being found on the ground as they die off in the next few weeks, vets are warning of the potentially deadly dangers to pets. 

Swelling resulting from bee and wasp stings in the mouth can block the airway and owners should seek urgent veterinary advice if that happens. 

The venom can also cause an allergic reaction that triggers anaphylactic shock and require immediate action. 

It’s micro bully Zebra’s second brush with death in a year. He was previously saved by emergency abdominal surgery at The Veterinary Clinic New Hall, part of My Family Vets, when he was just three months old. 

Owner Darren Villers, from Sutton Coldfield, was at work when he got the panicked phone call from his mother-in-law who was looking after Zebra. 

“She was screaming that he was dead,” said 47-year-old waste management company worker Darren. “He was digging in the grass and trod on what we think was a wasp. 

“It stung his paw and then when he bit it, it stung him three times in the mouth. He had a bad reaction to that, and he collapsed and was lying limp with his tongue hanging out. 

“Our next-door neighbour got him to the vets as quickly as he could. But as I was rushing there from my work, I thought he could be dead.” 

Zebra was examined straight away at The Veterinary Clinic New Hall where red sting marks were clearly visible on his paw and in his mouth. 

“Because his owners rushed him straight down to us after the collapse, we were able to act in time,” said vet Jenny Mitchell. 

“We gave him a steroid injection, monitored him and administered some antihistamine after which he was able to return home. 

“We are all very fond of Zebra after him spending an extended time with us as tiny puppy. Despite his two near misses, he’s always welcome to come and see us. 

“Should your pet receive a sting of any kind, especially around the mouth or face, call your closest vets for advice and don't give them any antihistamines without veterinary advice.”  

Other than the marks from the stings, Zebra was fine when Darren took him home and hasn’t shown any lasting effects. 

“It was such a scary time, and we can’t thank The Veterinary Clinic enough,” added Darren. “After what they did when he was a pup, I just kept thinking that we couldn’t lose him now. 

“He hasn’t learned his lesson and we’ve seen him still chasing bees and wasps. We’re trying to be really careful, and we’d definitely urge other owners to watch out in the next few weeks and get their pet to the vet if needed.”