Bug bites and bee stings are the bane of every dog owner’s existence, especially if your pet is a curious one. If your pup frequents the great outdoors, either with you or a dog walker, a dog bee sting is inevitable.
Sometimes your stoic doggy won’t let on that he’s been stung, and will show no signs. Other times, a dog bee sting will be all too obvious. “You may see the bite occur or notice your dog suddenly jumping from pain,” says Dr. Patricia Grinnell, a veterinarian with Aspetuck Animal Hospital.
“Hives and facial swelling often result, but you typically have to guess if it was a spider, bee, or some other critter that did the deed. A bite is a bite. Don’t worry too much about the cause, just treat the reaction,” she adds. And if you’ve ever been stung by a bee, you know it can burn like fire.
You can’t predict what kind of reaction your dog will have to a bee sting. “If your dog is stung by a bee, he may have a different response than another dog will to a sting. So the reaction should guide which remedy to use,” says Dr. Gerald Buchoff, a veterinarian with Holistic Pet Care. How do you know what to look for?
Signs of a Doggie Bee Sting
Look for these common signs:
- swelling of the face or muzzle
- thickening ear flaps
- hives
More serious reactions after a dog bee sting may also occur. These require immediate medical assistance:
- collapsing
- trembling
- weakness
- disorientation
- pale gums
- quickened breathing
- vomiting
- agitation
- excessive drooling
- diarrhea
These symptoms can happen if your dog has an allergic reaction to the sting, has been bitten multiple times or is going into anaphylactic shock. If you see them, call your vet! For the most part though, bee stings are not typically serious and can be cared for at home. You may not even need to reach into the medicine cabinet at all.
Treatment
If you see that your dog has been stung by a bee, gently remove the stinger, scraping it clear with a credit card or butter knife. This will stop additional venom from entering your dog’s system. Then, wash the area down with mild soap and water.
If you notice the less serious symptoms listed above — swelling or hives — the first line of defense is usually Benadryl, which is the brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine. According to Dr. Grinnell, this is typically a safe medication to give to dogs — in the right dose, of course. “Make sure to follow the dosing of one milligram per pound of body weight. Occasionally, a dog may be allergic to Benadryl.
If your dog’s reaction worsens or does not improve within 30 minutes, call your veterinarian immediately and switch to a different antihistamine.” If you’re unsure about determining the proper amount to give your pet, check with your vet.
You might also try one of these remedies:
- Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the sting area several times a day to soothe the skin and reduce itching.
- Aloe Vera Gel
Calm your pup’s skin with a pet-friendly brand of aloe vera gel, or squeeze some directly from a plant slice.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak cotton balls in apple cider vinegar and place on the bite to help counteract venom. Repeat several times a day.
- Crushed Plantain Leaves
Crush up leaves of plantain (the common backyard plant) and place a compress of the crushed leaves on the affected area. This also may help draw out bee venom.
- Cold Compresses
Apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling for five minute intervals.
- Apis Mellifica
For mild symptoms, Dr. Buchoff recommends this homeopathic remedy, which is commonly called Apis and made from crushed honeybees.
- Vespa Crabro
Another homeopathic remedy, Vespa Crabro (made from wasps) is good to use if the bee sting causes hard (not soft) swelling, notes Dr. Buchoff.
- Cantharis
Cantharis is another homeopathic remedy to try for more serious inflammation, according to Dr. Buchoff.
If Your Dog Swallows a Bee…
Some playful pups think bees are nothing more than flying toys. To your horror, you may see your furry friend attempt to snap one in her jaws. “It’s scary to watch but not dangerous for your dog to swallow a bee,” says Dr. Buchoff. “If the bee stings the inside of your dog’s mouth or throat, treatment should be the same as if the bite was external.
Of course, get medical help immediately if there are signs of distress,” he adds. An antihistamine should also be administered pronto to reduce swelling.
Taking care of your beloved fur baby can be just as stressful as caring for the human kind. If a dog bee sting happens to your pet, keep calm, assess the situation and do what’s needed. It’s what you always do best, after all.
Also check out How to Care for Dog Ear Mites!
Corey Kagan Whelan is a freelance writer living in New York who shares her life with two kids and two dogs. Her precocious puppy, Coco Chanel, once swallowed a bee.
