Dogs are animals that adapt perfectly to family life for many reasons. Like us, they are very social and, without a doubt, they enjoy leisure time. They will love going out during the warmer times of the year, but they require special attention. For example, we must be very aware of its degree of hydration and other dangers, such as the bites of some insects. Specifically, in this AnimalWised article we explain what to do in the event of a bee sting in dogs
Bee sting symptoms in dogs
With the arrival of good weather, insects proliferate and, therefore, the risk of bites for us and our dogs also increases. Mosquitoes, wasps or bees are some of the insects that we must protect ourselves from. Normally we know what precautions to take and what to do if we are stung. But what happens if our dog is stung by a bee?
Actually, the usual reaction is not far from what we would experience ourselves, that is, the dog will have a local reaction without more Complications that resolve spontaneously. In fact, it is likely that we will not even know that it has been stung. Only in a small percentage of cases will a serious allergic reaction occur. Thus, the most common clinical signs in the event of a bite are the following:
- Swelling at the site of the bite.
- Redness of the area.
- Pain and itching at the point of inoculation.
- Swelling, even considerable, if the bite was on the face.
- Respiratory problems in cases where the sting was inside the mouth, due to the inflammation that is generated.
Therefore, when the bite affects the face, the oral cavity or the dog has suffered more than one bite, due to possible complications, the recommendation is to go to the veterinarian.
How long does bee sting swelling last in dogs?
If the bee sting occurs outside the head or mouth, it is only one and the signs it causes are mild and local, it is expected that the recovery will be quick. The most intense discomfort will not last more than a few hours, although it is possible that the swelling lasts a little longer and subsides in a couple of days If the symptoms persist for more than time, does not improve or even worsens, we should contact the vet.
Allergic reaction in dogs due to bee sting
Most bee stings in dogs will proceed as we have indicated and without major complications. But, in some cases, the dog can suffer a serious reaction, especially those that have received more than one bite or have been stung in the past. In these reactions, the clinical signs will no longer be only local, nor will it be possible to wait at home for them to pass by themselves. On the contrary, it is a veterinary emergency. It is called anaphylactic shock and its symptoms are:
- Agitation.
- Hypersalivation.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Respiratory difficulties.
- Breathing sounds due to swelling of the larynx.
- Weakness.
- Seizures.
- Collapse.
- In the most serious or untreated cases the dog can die.
What to do if my dog was stung by a bee?
First of all, as there are several insects that can sting our dog and some, such as wasps and bees, are similar, it would be good if we identified the cause, if possible. Once the bee is discovered, we must look for the stingerIf we locate it we have to remove it by scratching with a fingernail or a plastic card, such as a credit card. It is better not to use tweezers or squeeze because we could introduce more poison into the dog's body.
At this point we can apply some of the home remedies that we review in the next section. It is also possible to give drugs, but any medication for bee stings in dogs, such as antihistamines, must always be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Home remedies for bee stings in dogs
At home, as long as the symptoms triggered by the bee sting are local and mild, we can apply some remedies aimed at calming the pain and itching that the dog will feel, once we have sting removed. We highlight the following:
- Paste of sodium bicarbonate, which we can make by mixing it with a little water and applying it directly to the sting.
- Cold in the form of an ice cube or a compress dipped in cold water. Ice should always be wrapped in a cloth or other cloth, as direct contact with the skin could burn it.
- Calamine lotion, which is effective in relieving mild itching.
