22/04/2026
Use this to identify what caused that bump, swelling, or wound on your pet. When in doubt, always call your vet.
Appearance: Small parasite attached to skin, often around ears. Visible dark body with red, swollen skin around it.
Key sign: The tick itself is still there.
(Contact)
Appearance: Small red bumps or ulcers, especially on mouth/tongue/lips.
Cause: Reaction to toxic hairs from hairy caterpillars.
/ Sand Fly
Appearance: Multiple small red dots clustered together.
Location: Common on thin skin areas like belly, inner ears, groin.
Appearance: Many tiny red bites causing intense itching and hair loss.
Location: Usually along the back, base of tail, or groin. Look for “flea dirt” (black specks).
Sting
Appearance: Sudden, painful, localized swelling and redness.
Location: Often on face, muzzle, or nose from sniffing. No stinger left behind.
Sting
Appearance: Similar to wasp sting, but often has a central sting point/stinger visible.
Location: Common on paws or face. Can cause significant swelling.
Bite
Appearance: Two puncture wounds (fang marks). Rapid, severe swelling, bruising, and pain.
Status: Emergency. Life-threatening. Get to a vet immediately.
Rash (Urticating Hairs)
Appearance: Large red, inflamed patch of skin with intense itching.
Cause: Skin irritation from microscopic caterpillar hairs, not a direct bite.
Bite
Appearance: Dark center/lesion with swelling around it. Can develop into a necrotic (dead tissue) wound.
Status: Can be serious. Needs vet attention if it worsens.
⚠️ Important Notes:
Allergic reactions can occur with any bite/sting: watch for facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or collapse.
Never squeeze stingers or ticks. Remove ticks with tweezers/tick tool.
If you suspect snake or spider bite, or see severe swelling/difficulty breathing: this is an emergency.
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