Sting or bite

Bees, wasps, processionary caterpillars, snakes and other animals: what to do in each case.

What to do, step by step

1. 1Bee or wasp: scrape the sting out with a card (do not squeeze), apply cold and watch the mouth and neck; fast swelling or breathing difficulty = vet right now.
2. 2Pine processionary caterpillar (January to April): rinse the mouth and tongue with lots of water without rubbing, do not let it swallow, and go to the vet immediately — it can cause tongue necrosis.
3. 3Snake: keep the animal still and the bitten area below the heart, do not cut or suck, no tourniquet or ice; urgent vet.
4. 4Bite from another animal: wash with soap and water, cover and see the vet even if the wound looks small (bites get infected inside). Note the animal and its owner and check the rabies vaccine.
5. 5If a person was also bitten or stung, wash the wound and call SNS 24.

Useful contacts

• Veterinário de urgência da sua zona

  Call before leaving home so the clinic can get ready. On patuco: Emergency › 24h veterinarian.
• SNS 24

  Bites and health risks for people (zoonoses).

  808 24 24 24
  Call Open

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General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.