EXCLUSIVE: Plants Deadly To Pets

Filed Under: Pets Exclusives! Health Tips Dr. Patrick Mahaney

spring in West Hollywood: It's the Most Hypersensitive Time of the Year

Oh No!

The vibrant purple flowers of the Jacaranda tree are so purdy but can be deadly to pets!

Fallen Jacaranda flowers blanket the grass, sidewalks, and streets, subsequently attracting pollen harvesting bees and curious canines.

Luckily, Teddy Hilton's own celebrity pet vet Dr. Patrick Mahaney has some tips for keeping your pet healthy in the most hypersensitive time of year:

In my clinical practice, I see dogs with bee stings imbedded in various body parts, including their paws, legs, face, and tongue. The venom from the sting causes a hypersensitivity reaction, which may be mild or severe. Severe reactions can be potentially life threatening.

Should you suspect your pet has been stung by a bee, administering an antihistamine can potentially help to combat the histamine releasing effects of the insect envenomation. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (Benadryl) can be given by mouth at a dose of 1-2 mg per pound of body weight.

Your pet should still have an evaluation and treatment by a veterinarian in these cases, as potentially serious complications from the hypersensitivity reaction often occur.

As no pet parent wants to see their companion animal with swollen lips reminiscent of one of The Real Housewives of Miami , talk to your veterinarian about tactics to keep your pet safe from insect sting hypersensitivity reactions and other seasonal health hazards.

If you live in California and want Dr. Patrick to be your personal vet, contact him via his website.

OR click HERE to tweet the celeb vet your questions!

Check out more pics of the Jacaranda flowers below.

Tags: california, celebrity, dog, dogs, paws, real housewives, tips, treatment, west hollywood