PET HEALTH By Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M.
Bee Cautious: What to do if Your Pet is Stung
Bee stings hurt, but seldom cause severe reactions in dogs. These steps can help soothe the pain.
Remove the Stinger
Honeybees leave their stingers behind and venom continues to enter your pet’s body for several minutes after a sting unless you remove the stinger. Gently scrape the stinger off with the edge of a credit card. Bathing can dislodge the stinger and help soothe the skin.
Treat Pain and Swelling
Cold compresses help reduce pain, redness, or swelling. Freezer gel packs, ice in a plastic bag, or bags of frozen vegetables make good compresses. Wrap them in a towel to prevent frostbite. Leave it in place as long as your dog will allow but no more than 20 minutes at a time. After a few minutes of cold compresses, most dogs will feel much better and won’t require additional treatment. Oral Benadryl can also be helpful in reducing swelling, but before offering your furry friend the over-the-counter medication, call your veterinarian for their recommendation and get dosage instructions. Pets require different dosages than humans.
Severe Reaction Danger Signs
Make an emergency trip to your veterinarian or after-hours emergency clinic if you see: pale gums, vomiting, hives, lack of energy, severe swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse problems can also occur if your dog is stung in the nose, mouth, or throat. Although dogs may not be allergic to bees or wasps, stings in these sensitive areas can cause swelling that partially or fully blocks airways, making breathing difficult. Severe swelling in the mouth, nose, throat or neck also warrants an emergency trip to the veterinarian.
How to Prevent Bee Stings
Lessen the chance your dog will get stung:
- Check for hives and nests
- Limit exposure – Keep dogs from smelling flowers
- Remove outdoor food promptly – Bees are attracted to sugary food and drinks
Bee or wasp stings are little more than a minor, but temporarily painful, nuisance for most dogs. If your pet displays any of the signs mentioned above, or you’re concerned about their symptoms, call your vet!
If you enjoyed this article, visit Dr. Scot M. Trefz, DVM – Tierra Verde resident and Medical Director at Bay Moorings Animal Hospital. Dr. Trefz, a 35-year experienced DVM, and his amazing team of veterinary professionals are located at 3695 50th Ave S., St Petersburg, FL 33711 (next to the Maximo Moorings Marina and Bay Pointe Plaza Publix) 727.867.0118.