My Dog Has Been Bitten by a Bee...Now what?

Dogs are very curious by nature. They like to explore different things by running and chasing things including insects and bees. In certain cases, when you are outdoor with your pooch bees can sting your four-legged friend to protect themselves. But there is nothing to worry as most of the bee stings are not life threatening. But there is a vast difference in developing an itchy lump and getting serious illness that can lead to emergency trip to your veterinarian.

It has generally been observed that bees are more active during warmer months of summer. Hence, it is always better to understand the effect of the sting on the dog:

ü  If your pooch has been bitten by a bee it can be very irritating and painful for them. But if the bee stings multiple times or stung within the mouth or throat it can lead to an emergency trip to your veterinarian.

ü  There are two main culprits that cause stings in dogs: bees and wasps. The problem with the stings is not the small puncture of wound that results in pain but a very minute amount of poison is injected by the insects while passing the stings.

ü  In bees, the stinger is taunted and has been intended to get into the skin of the dog thereby killing the bee when the stinger separates from the body

ü  Wasp stingers are not taunted but result in more pain in dogs. These insects can sting multiple times if provoked by the dog

ü  It has been observed that dogs more often than not get stung on their faces while trying to scrutinize the insect from close. A sting on the nose of the dog can be very painful. A sting on the tongue, mouth or throat cane lead to life threatening condition since it can lead to swelling in the dog’s throat leading to blockage in their airway.

What are the symptoms of Stings?

Just like human beings, dogs react differently to stings depending on their size, breed, location of the sting, size of the sting, the allergic symptoms in dogs to the venom secreted from the sting of the insect etc. If you find your pooch in pain, you will be able to see redness, swelling and large bumps as the first physical symptom of the sting. If your dog has a mild reaction, the area where the sting occurred will remain itchy for some days to heal.

Bee stings can result initially in unexpected diarrhea, sudden defecation and/or urination, and extreme itchiness. If it has affected the dog severely then they may show drooling, laboured breathing, soft gums, cold limbs and confusion or listlessness. Irrespective of whether the sting is severe or not it should not be overlooked. If you find that your dog has developed any of the symptoms mentioned above then please get in touch with your veterinarian.

Treatment of Bee Sting for Dogs

It has been observed that Benadryl also known as Diphengydramine is most effective on dogs for bee stings. It is the same treatment that is human beings use but for dogs it is in liquid state. If the dog does not feel well then the veterinarian would give them an injection since it will work quicker than a pill. Dogs generally develop hot spots, irritated areas or scabs at or around the sting site and they try to lick it hence; ensure that the area is clean until the wound heals.

If your pet shows some reaction then additional treatment encompassing prednisone (steroid) needs to be given in injection form to relieve the inflammation. If your dog goes in anaphylactic shock, they will need a respiratory and cardiovascular support also along with IV fluids. If there is any bacterial infection then antibiotics would be given to the dog to prevent further damage. If your dog has suffered an anaphylactic shock they will require staying at the veterinary hospital for a day or two for observation and sustained treatment.

You should not restrict your dog from going to parks or woods due to the fear of a bee sting. Just keep in mind that most of the dogs do not show any severe symptoms after the sting. In fact many times you may not even realize that dog have been bitten by a bee. Just ensure that you monitor the health of your dog along with his behaviour and if you find anything abnormal rush to your veterinarian immediately.