Expert says never do this if your dog is stung by a bee

As the UK finally enjoys some sunshine, dog owners are being reminded to stay extra vigilant with their pets.

This is because the warmer weather brings a rise in bee activity, and while humans tend to avoid these buzzing insects, dogs may not be so wary. In most cases, a bee sting can be safely treated at home, as long as it’s addressed quickly and correctly.

If ignored, though, it could become more serious and require veterinary care. To help pet parents handle this seasonal risk, Professional Dog Trainer Annie-Mae Levy from Woofz has put together a practical guide on what to do if your dog gets stung.

Here’s her expert advice.

How can you tell if your dog has been stung?

The Kennel Club suggests that a sting from a bee or wasp could result in your dog exhibiting any of the following common symptoms:

• Whining
• Agitation
• Swelling
• Lumpy looking skin
• Biting, nibbling or pawing at the place stung
• Drooling

What to do if your dog is stung by a bee?

Remove the sting immediately

“If your dog gets stung by a bee, the sting might still be embedded in their skin and could continue to release venom. Our first instinct might be to reach for tweezers, but I advise against this. Why? Because it could potentially squeeze more venom into the wound. Instead, you should gently scrape the sting out using a flat-edged object like a credit card. This method minimises the risk of additional venom exposure. After removal, monitor the area for signs of infection or increased swelling”, reports the Daily Record.

Monitor for allergic reactions

“Most reactions happen within 20 minutes of the sting. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, like facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or collapse. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate veterinary care. It’s important to note that some reactions can be delayed, so continue to monitor your dog for several hours after the sting, like I suggested earlier. In rare cases, severe reactions can occur, leading to life-threatening conditions.”

Clean and soothe the area

“Okay, you removed the sting. Now what? You need to gently wash the sting site with mild soap and water to prevent infection from spreading. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and lessen the pain. Now, you need to keep the area clean and monitor for signs of infection: increased redness or discharge. If the swelling worsens, take your dog to the vet.”

Don’t give dogs human medications

“While some sources suggest giving antihistamines like Benadryl, it’s important to consult your vet before giving any human medications to your dog. Dosages can fluctuate, and some medications may be harmful to pets, even more harmful than the sting itself. Your vet can advise you on appropriate treatments and dosages based on your dog’s specific needs.

“I know it goes without saying, but I’ll still say it, never assume that medications safe for humans are safe for dogs, as they can lead to serious health complications.”

How can I prevent bee stings?

“You might want to keep your dog away from areas with high bee activity, like gardens with blooming flowers. But avoiding doesn’t always help because you’ll stumble across a one-off bee on your way. You should teach your dog to avoid chasing insects. I’d suggest teaching a solid “Leave It” command – or even muzzle training – if the dog is actively trying to catch them. If your dog has a history of severe reactions to stings, discuss preventive measures with your vet, like carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.”