Protecting your pet from life-threatening allergic reactions to stinging insects

Many dogs – and occasionally cats – can develop severe allergic reactions to insect stings. These reactions can escalate rapidly, sometimes resulting in life-threatening anaphylaxis. At Animal Dermatology Clinic Perth, we offer venom immunotherapy (VIT), a proven treatment used for decades in human medicine and available for pets through veterinary dermatologists. This therapy can dramatically reduce the severity of future sting reactions, helping keep your pet safe and giving you peace of mind.

Why Pets React to Insect Stings?

Stinging insects such as honeybees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible pets. Reactions range from mild swelling to collapse and shock.
Studies show:

  • More than 40% of dogs will have a more severe reaction on a subsequent sting.

  • If a dog’s first reaction was severe, nearly 2 out of 3 will have another severe reaction if stung again.

  • Anaphylaxis in dogs has a reported mortality rate of approximately 15%.

Because of this unpredictability, venom allergy is considered one of the most important allergic conditions requiring specialist care.

Signs of Venomous Insect Allergy

Pets may show one or more of the following after a sting:

  • Local pain, redness, or swelling

  • Hives (urticaria) or facial swelling

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Collapse, pale gums, or sudden weakness

  • Life-threatening anaphylaxis

Any suspected anaphylactic reaction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Why Choose Venom Immunotherapy?

Without VIT, a venom-allergic pet may experience repeated anaphylactic episodes — each of which is unpredictable and potentially fatal. Emergency treatment (epinephrine, antihistamines, steroids) helps manage the acute episode but does not prevent future reactions.

VIT is the only therapy proven to modify the immune response and significantly reduce risk.


Venom allergy can be frightening, but with expert diagnosis and immunotherapy, pets can live confidently and safely.

To learn more or schedule venom testing at either of our locations, contact Animal Dermatology Clinic Perth.
Call now on: +61 08 6277 9430 (Murdoch) and (Balcatta) or email: dermnurses@adcperth.com

What Is Venom Immunotherapy (VIT)?

Venom immunotherapy is a controlled, medical desensitisation process that exposes pets to very small, gradually increasing amounts of the specific venom(s) they are allergic to. Over time, the immune system becomes less reactive, greatly reducing the risk of future anaphylaxis.

Across veterinary studies:

  • More than 85% of dogs show reduced severity of reactions at any point in therapy.

  • Nearly 100% of dogs receiving ongoing maintenance injections are protected from severe reactions.

  • Adverse effects occur in less than 3% of total injections, most often mild gastrointestinal upset.

VIT is considered the standard of care in human medicine and is supported by growing veterinary research.

How We Diagnose Venom Allergy?

The most reliable way to diagnose venom allergy in pets is intradermal venom testing, performed under light sedation. We test for honeybee and wasp venom, the relevant stinging insects in our region.

Before testing, certain medications must be withdrawn to ensure accurate results:

  • Injectable steroids – 2 months

  • Oral steroids – 4 weeks

  • Antihistamines & topical steroids – 2 weeks

  • Minimum 2 weeks since the last sting event

During testing, tiny amounts of bee and wasp venom are injected into the skin to determine which species your pet is allergic to.

Testing is available at both our Perth locations.

How Treatment Works

Step 1: Induction Phase

Once allergens are identified, pets begin a controlled series of injections over several weeks. At ADC Perth, we most often use a rapid 3-week protocol, supported by current research and designed to reach protection sooner.

  • Injections are given in gradually increasing doses.

  • Your pet is monitored closely during visits for safety.

  • Mild side effects, if they occur, are generally limited to early stages.

    Induction phase of immunotherapy is performed exclusively at our Balcatta clinic.

Step 2: Maintenance Phase

After induction, pets receive:

  • Monthly injections at the final established dose

  • Maintenance continues long-term; current research suggests this offers the highest level of ongoing protection

  • Monthly maintenance injections can be done at either clinic or with your regular veterinarian for convenience.