Anaphylaxis (bee sting, vaccine, medication, food)
CRITICAL
Anaphylaxis (bee sting, vaccine, medication, food)
Allergic
A severe allergic reaction — fatal within 15-30 minutes if untreated.
Symptoms to watch for
- ▸ Rapid swelling of the face/muzzle/tongue
- ▸ Hives all over the body (raised lumps)
- ▸ Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- ▸ Sudden vomiting and diarrhoea
- ▸ Loss of balance, lethargy
- ▸ Pale gums + cold skin (shock)
DO THIS NOW (in order)
- 1 Remove the trigger if it is obvious (the bee sting, stop the unfamiliar food)
- 2 Call the clinic NOW — this is a true emergency
- 3 Lay your pet on their side, head slightly higher than the body
- 4 Keep the airway clear — pull the tongue forward if needed
- 5 Reach the vet within 15 minutes if at all possible
NEVER DO THIS
- ✕ DO NOT give antihistamines yourself (a human dose ≠ a pet dose)
- ✕ DO NOT wait to see if it passes — shock develops fast
- ✕ DO NOT give food or water if your pet is struggling to breathe
- ✕ DO NOT excite your pet (keep everything quiet)
Getting there safely
You need 2 people: one to drive, one watching the breathing constantly. Call the clinic ahead. Keep your pet on their side for the journey.
While you wait for the vet
- ▸ Count breaths every minute
- ▸ Watch whether the swelling keeps spreading
- ▸ If the wheezing becomes severe → be ready to start CPR
- ▸ Note the time + the suspected trigger
RED FLAG — get emergency care right away if you see:
- Clear breathing distress (wheezing, open-mouth breathing)
- Tongue badly swollen / turning blue
- Loss of consciousness
- White gums + heart rate >200 bpm
This guide does NOT replace a vet's diagnosis. Always contact the clinic, even if your pet seems fine.