A Cumbrian veterinary practice is asking dog owners to take care as jellyfish continue to wash up on the county’s coastline.
Belle Vue Pets based in Wigton issued a warning on social media and gave advice on what to do when a pet is stung.
On social media the practice said: “As you may have noticed there are a lot more jellyfish washing up along our shorelines. Washed up jellyfish may be dead, but they can still sting for several weeks.
“Dogs often like to investigate everything they come across, but if a jellyfish stings your dog, it’s important to get them seen by a vet as soon as possible.
“There are many types of jellyfish in the ocean and they have developed several different types of toxins.
“Treatment for a sting is usually straight forward and dogs return back to their usual selves soon after treatment is administered.”
The practice said symptoms of a sting can include vomiting, excessive drooling, swelling, retching, licking the affected area, difficulty breathing, quiet and lethargic behaviour, itching and pain.
It added that while it is unlikely a dog will die from a jellyfish sting or from licking or swallowing a jellyfish, it can cause an array of symptoms that can last from two minutes to three hours.
While it is normal to spot jellyfish at this time of year – there has been an increase in the number of them appearing on our shores.
Common kinds of jellyfish living in Cumbria’s coast include barrel, compass, moon, lions mane and blue jellyfish as well as sea gooseberries which can be spotted near Barrow.
Barrel jellyfish are the biggest species in the UK and can grow up to six feet in length. But they have a weak sting in comparison to the lions mane jellyfish, which has a sting that is described as a painful burning sensation.
Have you spotted a giant or unusual looking jellyfish? Send us your pictures by emailing us at [email protected]
