Like humans, while the majority of dogs will not have a reaction to bee, wasp, yellow jacket or hornet stings some dogs may be allergic. Dogs and bee stings don’t mix and it is important to treat your pet promptly and correct if it is stung. Due to their playful and adventurous nature, dogs are more likely to be stung by bees than humans.
Bee stings can have serious consequences and in some cases can be life threatening. Once your dog returns from playing outside or from a walk it is advised to check the animal for stings. Dogs are most commonly stung on their mouths, nose, face or paws. Should you know or believe that a bee has stung your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately. Waiting for the symptoms to dissipate may lead to the dog’s health worsening. It is better to err on the side of caution by acting first then suffer the possible repercussions.
Signs of a Dog Bee Sting:
Dog that display the following behavior are likely to have been stung by a bee:
-Excessive salivation
-Running around in circles
-Yelping, barking or crying
-Swelling, scratching, licking or chewing at the site of the sting
-Excessive swelling in the neck, hives, nausea, problems with breathing and collapse
The more severe the bee sting, the more pronounced the symptoms will be. Just like humans can go into anaphylactic shock from a sting, so too can dogs.
Treating Bee Stings On Dogs:
If possible, try to remove the stinger yourself by using tweezers or scraping the end of a credit card or similar object across the dog’s fur to uproot the stinger. As noted above, contact your veterinarian immediately even if your dog has not shown any outward symptoms of an allergic reaction. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to alleviate the pain and itching commonly associated with bee stings.
If at all possible, minimize your dog’s access to areas most commonly inhabited by bees. These pesky insects often build nests in flowerbeds, on the siding of a house and in trees. Check your yard for bee nests weekly and have them removed prior to letting your dog roam the yard. Bees are most commonly found in the spring and summer months. While these is no way to guarantee that your dog will not be stung by a bee, taking these precautions can help to lessen the likelihood. However, the best prevention of dogs and bee stings is to pay attention to your surroundings and always have the number to your veterinarian and local animal clinic close by.
