Over the course of their life, there's a good chance that your dog will suffer one or more wasp stings. In most cases, these stings will be minor. The dog may lick the affected area and you may notice a slight bit of swelling. In some circumstances, you may even see the wasp's stinger and be able to remove it with tweezers. The majority of wasp stings don't require the attention of a veterinarian, but there can be cases in which you should take your dog to the local animal hospital after a wasp run-in. This can especially be true if your dog has suffered numerous stings. Here are three issues that should compel you to visit the clinic to get your pet the care they need.

Significant Swelling

A single wasp sting can cause a slight amount of swelling that won't typically last long, but serious swelling can occur if your dog has suffered multiple wasp stings in the same part of their body. You might be surprised at just how much swelling can occur. For example, if several wasps have stung your dog on their face, the entire look of their face may change. The swelling can be highly uncomfortable for your dog, so it's good to seek help from a vet.

Difficulty Breathing

In some cases, your dog can experience breathing difficulties as a result of multiple wasp stings. Certain dogs are more sensitive to wasp stings, similar to how some humans react more seriously to stings. If your pet is sensitive, their airways may swell and make breathing a challenge. You might notice that your dog's breathing is louder or seems labored. Breathing issues after wasp stings can be very serious, so it's important that you get veterinary help for your dog right away.

Difficulty Swallowing

Just as a dog's airways can begin to swell in the wake of wasp bites, the pet can also experience swelling of their throat that interferes with their ability to swallow. Like humans, dogs swallow their saliva many times throughout the day, and when swallowing becomes difficult, you may notice some changes. For example, the dog may drool heavily. Even if you don't see the dog actively drooling, you might see an unusual amount of wetness around their mouth. If the dog attempts to eat or drink, they might struggle to swallow the food or drink. Seek help from a local veterinarian if your pet is experiencing these issues after multiple wasp bites.

For more information on veterinarian services, contact a professional near you.