How To Treat A Bee Sting On A Dog
Introduction
The last thing you want to see when your dog is running around the yard is a bee sting. Your first instinct might be to panic, but stay calm and follow this guide to provide some temporary relief while you get your dog to the vet. If your dog’s reactions are severe, call the vet ahead of time so they can prepare for your arrival.
Don’t panic if you see your dog suddenly yelping or running around the yard in a panic.
If you spot your dog yelping and running around the yard, don’t panic. Most often, this is a reaction to a bee sting. If you can see that your dog was stung by a bee or wasp (a single small puncture wound), don’t try to remove the stinger. Instead, watch for signs of distress such as excessive vocalization or movement and then call your veterinarian right away!
If you discover that your dog has been stung by more than one insect (as in an attack) or if there are many wounds on his body, call our office immediately so we can assess whether he needs further treatment at home or should be brought in for evaluation.
If your dog is allergic to bee stings, you will need to act quickly and get him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your dog is allergic to bee stings, you will need to act quickly and get him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is not allergic to bee stings, you can treat the sting at home.
Isolate the area where the sting occurred.
Next, you should isolate your dog from other people, dogs and cats. Stinging insects are more likely to sting dogs when they are in the company of other animals. If you have another pet at home, it is best for all pets to be kept apart for at least a few days after the sting occurs.
Remove the stinger by scraping it with a knife, credit card, fingernail, or anything else that is flat and handy.
To remove the stinger from your dog, scrape it off with a knife, credit card, fingernail, or anything else that is flat and handy. Never use tweezers or your fingers to remove the stinger because this will inject more venom into your dog’s skin.
Don’t squeeze the stinger out of your dog’s skin because this can cause them to release more venom. If you have access to a bee sting remover tool at home, you can use it; however these are typically designed for people and may not be effective on dogs as they tend to have thicker skin than humans do.
Use ice or a cold pack to reduce the swelling and soothe the affected area.
If your pooch has been stung, you should try to reduce the swelling and soothe the affected area with ice or a cold pack. Ice works best because it can be applied for longer than a cold pack without causing too much discomfort. Generally, you should apply ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 20 minutes and then remove it for 40 minutes before reapplying. If your dog will tolerate it, you can also wrap him or her in an ice-filled towel or put an ice cube between their paws while they are sleeping.
Cold packs are less effective than ice because they don’t penetrate as deeply into tissue but they’re better if your dog is extremely sensitive to temperature changes (known as “coldness sensitivity”). When using a cold pack, make sure that it isn’t too cold—you don’t want to cause frostbite!
Baking soda mixed into water can help reduce swelling and pain associated with bee stings on dogs.
If you have baking soda on hand, you can use it to treat your dog’s bee sting. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water and apply the mixture to the affected area. Let it dry and then rinse with warm water. Repeat as necessary until swelling goes down and pain subsides. If your dog has been stung multiple times by bees, call a vet immediately since this can be a sign of an allergic reaction or poisoning that requires immediate medical attention.
If the swelling, itching, or other symptoms continue, have your dog seen by a veterinarian immediately.
If the swelling, itching, or other symptoms continue after applying ice, have your dog seen by a veterinarian immediately.
If your dog has been stung by a bee, you should get him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If possible, bring the bee with you so that it can be identified and treated accordingly. You might also want to ask your vet if there are any natural treatments he or she would recommend; this way you’ll know what’s available for future incidents.
Keep calm and take care of your pup!
- Keep calm and take care of your pup!
- If you are concerned about the severity of your dog’s reaction to a bee sting, or if you cannot get to a veterinarian right away, seek medical attention from your local animal hospital as soon as possible. If you have questions about what constitutes an emergency situation for your pet, ask yourself:
- Is my dog unable to move?
- Is my dog having difficulty breathing?
- Are there any other symptoms that would indicate that I should immediately seek help from a veterinarian (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea)?
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, there are several ways to treat bee stings on dogs. Some of these methods include removing the stinger, using a cold compress or baking soda paste to reduce swelling, and observing your dog for changes in behavior or any other symptoms. If you’re worried that your dog may have a severe allergic reaction to bee stings—or if you haven’t been able to find relief with these home remedies—it’s always better to be safe than sorry! Call your veterinarian immediately and ask them what steps they recommend taking next.