![\"rattlesnakes,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Untitled-design-2022-08-22T145955.518.png\")
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If your pet was bitten by a venomous snake, this is considered a \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergency \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage chart. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n If your pet was bitten or stung by an insect and is experiencing an allergic reaction, their symptoms can range from mild to severe:<\/strong><\/p>\n While snake bites can be a serious problem in other areas of the United States, fortunately for us, they are not a significant problem in Minnesota. Of the 17 snake species in the state, only two are venomous: the timber rattlesnake and the eastern massasauga. Both are found in the southeastern counties of Minnesota and are very rarely seen or encountered. Learn more about rattlesnake bites and pets here<\/a>. If your pet was bitten by a snake, seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!<\/p>\n There are many different types of bees and wasps in Minnesota; however, the most commonly encountered are: yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets, paper wasps, honeybees, and bumblebees. While they all have the ability to sting, yellowjackets and paper wasps tend to be the most aggressive. True honeybees are rarely a problem unless their hive is being disturbed. Honeybees also have a barbed stinger that remains embedded in the skin. They can only sting once and then die.<\/p>\n If your pet is stung, it is important to get them out of the immediate area. Many bees will release an alarm hormone when they sting that will trigger additional aggression and stings from other bees in the immediate area. If you can see a stinger, don\u2019t grab it to remove it! This may force more venom into the skin. Instead, scrape the stinger out with your fingernail, a credit card, etc.\u00a0Wasp and hornets can deliver multiple stings and therefore, tend to be more serious, due to the amount of venom injected.<\/p>\n Just as with people, stings are painful to pets, but they are rarely serious or life-threatening. For pain, applying ice packs to the area of the sting may be helpful. Monitor closely for at least 30 to 90 minutes for any evidence of a more serious reaction: large swelling at the site of the sting, hives, a puffy face, problems breathing, or collapse. Cats may meow a lot, drool, walk like they\u2019re drunk, or collapse.<\/p>\n If more serious complications appear to be developing, have your pet checked right away. People often ask if they can give a stung pet some Benadryl at home, but once serious reactions develop, Benadryl doesn\u2019t help. Injectable medications and possibly IV fluids may be needed. If in doubt, seek immediate medical assistance.<\/p>\n Learn more about snake bites and insect stings or bites in this Facebook Live video featuring Dr. Berg, one of our emergency veterinarians:<\/p>\n\n
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\nSnakes<\/h4>\n
![\"wasps,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Untitled-design-2022-08-22T150119.991.png\")
<\/p>\nBees and Wasps<\/h4>\n