For bee stings (which are acidic) you can apply a little bicarbonate of soda. For wasp stings (which are alkaline) you can apply a little vinegar. Bathe the area in cool water and / or apply ice. Next, there is a very effective first aid remedy to quickly reduce the inflammation and pain from the bee sting: local application of cold. Pinching the sting out can cause further release of venom. However, some require emergency veterinary care. Rinse the dogs coat to ensure that there is no remaining soap. They can provide guidelines for at-home treatment, prescribe medication, and, for the most serious cases of anaphylactic reactions, may recommend you have certain medications available at home.įor most dogs, mild bee stings can be treated at home. Aside from the tear-inducing whimper that you may hear, you should expect minor swelling in the affected area. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place with your veterinarian before a second sting ever occurs in dogs with extreme reactions. What Happens When a Dog Gets Stung by a Bee. Don’t try at-home treatments and call your veterinarian or visit the animal E.R. Even dogs that had a mild reaction to a first-time sting are at risk of a severe reaction to a future sting. If your dog has had a serious reaction to a bee sting in the past - they will likely have an equally serious reaction to future stings. If you think your dog got stung by a bee, before you go into full-on panic mode, look for some sure-fire bee sting indicators: A sudden yelp during outdoor play Sudden pawing at a certain area Sudden chewing at a certain area Swelling in any area of the body A left-behind stinger Note: It’s. This then leads to swelling and could see the windpipe blocked. This mostly happens when a dog catches and tries to eat a bee. A bee stung by a bee in the mouth may have the tongue, throat or palate affected.
Many factors contribute to how severe your dog’s reaction to a bee sting will be. If you're wondering how to tell if your dog got stung by a bee, below are the common signs to look out for: Whining Nibbling or biting on a particular area Excessive licking on a particular area Holding their paw up Drooling Pawing on areas such as their mouth, face, or nose. A bee sting in a dog’s mouth may have severe reactions and if not acted upon soon enough may become fatal. When Is a Bee Sting Severe Enough for a Veterinary or Emergency Clinic Visit? If a pet owner suspects their pet has been stung by a bee, I recommend putting an ice pack on the area of the sting as soon as possible, Dr. Approach your dog with calm energy and check the area where he was stung. If there’s any question, it’s a good idea to give your veterinarian a call. Your dog is likely going to be upset, and if you’re upset too, it can escalate the situation. And keep in mind that bites or stings from other insects can cause similar effects. However, other stinging insects like yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets do not leave their stingers behind. Of course, you can always look for a stinger, as some bees will leave their stingers behind. The milder signs may be hard to catch when you don’t know your dog has been stung.