Cumbrian dog walkers given jellyfish warning

Vets are warning dog walkers in north Cumbria to keep pets away from jellyfish, as hundreds of the UK’s largest jellyfish washed up on a local beach.

Jellyfish stings can potentially lead to anaphylactic shock and death and they can still sting after they have died.

The warning came after local dog walker Kelly Skinner discovered hundreds of jellyfish washed up along the path at Anthorn, near Silloth.

Skinner said that she normally only spots a few jellyfish in June and has never noticed any at this time of the year.

Dogs stung by a jellyfish should be seen by a vet as quickly as possible. Symptoms can range from relatively minor, such as hives and itching, to drooling, irritation, vomiting, a swollen tongue, loss of coordination, and muscle spasms.

Leading Cumbrian vet Laura Binnie, of Paragon Veterinary Group, told Lancs Live: “If your dog shows a reaction to a jellyfish sting you must take them to be checked over by a vet. As a first step, you can try a saltwater wash or a mild vinegar solution which can help deactivate the sting.

“There is a risk that jellyfish stings can cause dogs to suffer an anaphylactic reaction, and in the very worst case scenario can be fatal.”