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Dog Bee Stings
Dog bee stings can result in painful swelling and redness. In severe cases, the dog may suffer from an acute allergic
reaction known as anaphylactic shock which can be life-threatening if untreated. Read on and learn more about the symptoms and treatment of bee stings in dogs.
The stings of bees and wasps cause localized pain, swelling and mild redness to the site of the sting. Understandably, common sites are parts of the dog's body
not covered by hair, such as the nose or the paws. Sometimes, even if the site of the sting is not the dog's face, swelling may still occur on the face (and
the neck).
Depending on the location of the sting, and how many times the dog is stung, dog bee stings can be serious and may require prompt veterinary attention.
For example, swelling of the neck may result in constriction of the airway, leading to breathing difficulties. Also, a dog may go into shock if stung repeatedly.
Sometimes, a dog who has previously been stung may go into anaphylactic shock (an immediate serious
allergic reaction) if stung a second time.
Dog Bee Stings - What to Do?
When your dog is stung, he will likely yelp at the time of the sting, and you may see him pawing the stung area, or trying to rub his head on the grass in an attempt to
relieve the pain. A swollen muzzle or face is usually a clear sign of a sting.
Here is what you can do to help your dog:
- If possible, identify the stinging insect.
- If you can find the stinger, use your fingernail or, if available, a card such as a credit card, to try to scrape it out from
the site. DO NOT try to squeeze the site or use tweezers to remove the stinger as this can cause it to break, pushing more venom into the skin.
- Immediately put an ice cube on the site for a few minutes to relieve the pain.
- Mix baking soda with water into a paste and put it directly on to the site of the sting to help neutralize pain and swelling. Leave it on for about
30 minutes. You may want to wrap some cloth around the area to prevent your dog from licking the area.
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Dog Bee Stings - Effective Natural Remedies
Alternatively, use these two products to treat dog bee stings. They are 100% natural remedies that are indispensable in your
doggie first aid kit, and can come in handy if your dog gets stung by a bee:
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PetAlive Clenzor to Cleanse Pet Wounds
 : This is an herbal topical
cleanser that contains witch hazel, lemon balm, calendula (marigold), and nettle - all are well known for their cleansing and soothing properties. Use this cleanser to clean
out minor wounds, including bee sting wounds.
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PetAlive Wound Dr.
 :
This natural herbal cream contains ingredients with natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties such as tea tree oil, rosemary, plantain, and others. Apply this cream
topically to the site of the sting after cleaning the site with Clenzor.
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Dog Bee Stings - When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention?
If you notice that your dog has been stung by a bee, observe him carefully for any allergic reaction. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if your dog exhibits
hypersensitivity to the sting, showing some or all of the following signs:
If your dog has a severe reaction to a bee sting, your veterinarian may give him an injection of antihistamine, steroid, or adrenaline.
Also, if your dog has a history of previous hypersensitive reactions to bee stings, ask your veterinarian about an Epi Pen kit which you can keep in your doggie
first aid kit. Ask him for proper dosage and instructions for use. The Epi Pen is an epinephrine (adrenaline) autoinjector that can counteract an anaphylactic reaction.
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