Has your adorable puppy been stung by a bee? Bee stings are a scary yet somewhat inevitable injury for many pets. After all, puppies don't know the difference between a harmless butterfly and a bee — they just want to play with it!
Bee stings often occur on a dog's paws, muzzle, or belly, since they might swat at or lie down on a bee accidentally. If you suspect that your puppy has suffered a bee sting, don't panic! There are a few important steps to take so that your puppy recovers smoothly and safely.
Puppy bee stings are painful, but for most dogs, it's a brief experience. Symptoms subside within a day or so.
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If, however, your puppy has a bee-sting allergy, a simple sting is incredibly dangerous. Your puppy may go into anaphylactic shock, which can be deadly. As a puppy owner, it's crucial to keep an eye on your pet and be aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Here are the most important steps to take after a puppy gets a bee sting.
Puppy Bee Stings 101
If your puppy spends any time outdoors in warm weather, there's a good chance that they will accidentally get stung by a bee at some point. Puppies are so playful that they might even chase after a bee, not knowing what pain lies in store!
A puppy bee sting can be stressful and worrisome for both you and your puppy. But if you follow a few simple steps and remain calm, your puppy should make it through just fine.
Find The Stung Spot
First, locate the precise area of the sting. Sometimes, it's obvious — bee stings often swell up to a ridiculously large size. Other times, the location is not so clear.
The most likely areas for a bee sting include the face, belly, and paws. If you see your dog licking or chewing a certain spot, inspect the area to see what's going on.
"You might see your dog lick or chew at their paw and be very tender about it,” veterinarian Dr. Sonja Olson told The Dodo. She recommends looking for a "raised or reddish area."
Watch For An Allergic Reaction
A severe allergic reaction to a bee sting is called anaphylactic shock, and it can be fatal.
It's crucial to keep a close eye on your pet immediately after the bee sting to see if they display any symptoms of anaphylactic shock, like extreme swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, pale gums, and other signs. This is even more important than treating the bee sting itself!
Check For Increased Swelling
Some swelling is normal for a bee sting. "If it is swollen and a little puffy, it is a localized reaction to the sting,” veterinary hospital owner Dr. Arnold Plotnick told VetStreet.
But if you notice an increase or spread in swelling, that's one sign that your pup may be experiencing an allergic reaction. If that happens, keep an eye on your pup's breathing, as well as the other emergency symptoms below. Call your vet right away.
Emergency Symptoms: Vomiting
Vomiting is one very clear sign of anaphylactic shock. It generally happens within 5 to 10 minutes of the initial bee sting.
Go to an emergency vet if your pet vomits after a bee sting!
Emergency Symptoms: Pale Gums, Drooling, And More
Increasingly pale gums are another clear sign of anaphylactic shock, so keep an eye on your pet's gum color.
Other emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, significant drooling, swollen eyes, hives, collapse, and increased aggression.
If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet and/or head to an emergency vet. The vet can administer lifesaving IV fluids along with medication to reverse the allergic reaction. They'll likely need to keep your pet for a couple of days for monitoring.
Remove The Stinger
If your dog doesn't exhibit any emergency symptoms about 30 minutes after the bee sting, you can be pretty sure that you're in the clear. Now it's time to treat that sting!
The first step is to remove the stinger. Part your dog's fur, find the stinger, and use a credit card or tweezers to remove it.
Be Careful Not To Burst It
When you remove the stinger, be careful to remove it all at once. Don't break the stinger, or you risk bursting the "venom sac" and releasing its remaining toxins into your pup's bloodstream.
Call The Veterinarian
Even if your pup seems relatively comfortable (for someone who just got stung by a bee), it's a good idea to give your regular vet a call. They can recommend specific next steps, based on your dog's health history.
Give Your Puppy An Antihistamine
Many vets will recommend that you give your dog an over-the-counter antihistamine, like Benadryl. However, there are specific steps that you should take when you give medication to a dog, so never do so without checking with your vet first. A vet can recommend the right dosage for your pet's weight.
Apply A Cold Compress
Topical treatments, like a cold compress, help soothe the pain of a bee sting while your pup recovers. Simply dampen a towel with cold water, squeeze it dry, and apply it to the tender area.
Try A Baking Soda Paste
Some owners also treat puppy bee stings with a baking soda paste, which may offer pain relief and soothe itchiness. Make a thick paste with plain baking soda and water, and apply it directly to the sting site.
Other popular remedies include an ice pack to reduce swelling, aloe vera, and apple cider vinegar.
The swelling from a bee sting usually starts to subside within 24 hours.
Take Steps To Prevent Future Bee Stings
The truth is, even adult dogs can unwittingly wind up with a bee sting during a happy play day in the park. Bees and wasps are all over the place during warm weather, and your pup may walk or lay right onto one.
Still, you can take steps to prevent future stings. It's simple: Steer your pup away from areas where bees are most abundant.
"It’s hard to avoid grass, but you can avoid flower beds and places where fruit has fallen to the ground," Dr. Olson recommended.
In your own yard, place a border on flower beds and other plants that beckon bees.
Dealing With A Bee Sting Allergy
If your puppy has had an allergic reaction to a bee sting in the past, he'll likely have the same reaction next time. It's impossible to completely prevent the possibility of another future bee sting. However, you can and should be prepared.
Talk to your vet about medications that you can keep on hand in case of an emergency. In the meantime, take extra care to help your dog avoid bee-filled areas.
