One of the main problems when we go to the beach is the plagues of jellyfish. Although they are annoying, we avoid them with some ease since we know the risks of bites. However, furry animals are innocent and curious beings, so they could become an easy target for them. Be careful with your pet! Especially if you go to a wild beach or cove where pests are not controlled.
Although dogs are more protected than we are by their fur and pads, some areas of their body such as the nose or the inside of their ears are sensitive to bites. If your furry dog is stung by a jellyfish, he may have an inflammation of the skin and may be nervous or tired. Likewise, he may have trouble breathing and will whimper due to pain. If you recognize some of these symptoms, do not hesitate and go to the vet as soon as possible to alleviate the anguish of your four-legged friend.
On the other hand, you must bear in mind that the poison will affect the furry to a greater or lesser extent depending on various factors such as their health, age, weight, the affected area, the thickness of the skin or the species of jellyfish. what has bitten to him.
Jellyfish are made up of nematocysts, cells filled with venom. These cells have a dart or stinger as well as a kind of trigger ring (nidocilium). When the trigger ring is activated after coming into contact with a living being, it produces an electrical discharge that, at the same time, shoots these cells filled with venom. All in microseconds!
Unfortunately, humans are the main cause of jellyfish infestations. The overfishing of species that eat jellyfish, the increase in sea temperature and the urbanization of the coast are behind the uncontrolled proliferation of this species. In addition, the urbanization of the coastline has also caused more discharges to be thrown into the marine environment. It is in our hands to do everything possible to remedy it!
As we recommend from Very Interesting, it is better to prevent than to cure. Walking along the shore with your dog can be a very pleasant and fun experience, but you must take precautions so that both you and your pet do not suffer any risk. If you go to a wild beach, inspect for jellyfish infestation and monitor your dog at all times. Likewise, watch out if he digs in the sand (as he could unearth a jellyfish) and be very careful what he puts in his mouth.
You may know what to do if you get stung by a jellyfish. But have you ever thought about what to do if your dog bites? Remember that they don’t reason the same way we do! So your pet could easily get upset.
- The first step will be to calm the animal. Use loving words to calm him down and, above all, avoid licking or scratching the area with the bite. This will prevent the poison from spreading to other parts.
- Apply ice as quickly as possible for at least 15 minutes. The ice should be wrapped in a towel so that it does not come into direct contact with the animal’s skin. In this way you will be getting an anesthetic effect due to the cold and you will relieve your pet’s pain.
- When he is more relieved, you should check the dog’s skin and coat to make sure there are no remains of the jellyfish or its tentacles.
- In the event that there are remains, you will have to remove them with gloves and rinse with salt water. Never use fresh water or rub your skin! Then carefully scrape the affected area with a credit card or something similar.
- At home or after stopping at a supermarket, you will have to wash the wound with vinegar for ten or fifteen minutes. Although it does not reduce pain, it does inactivate the discharges of nematocysts (cells filled with venom).
- Finally, you will have to dry the area very well and apply an analgesic ointment. These usually carry corticosteroids or antihistamines, so it is best that you go to the vet to recommend the most appropriate one.
This summer enjoy in the best company! But always with care and making sure that your furry comes home happy.
