Bee and wasp stings can be dangerous for our four-legged friends, but what should you do when a dog is stung by a wasp or a bee? We know our pets well, and we know just how curious they can be — to the point of poking their nose into everything, perhaps among fragrant flowers and plants where the risk of insect stings, such as those from bees or wasps, is very high! Let's find out about the symptoms of a wasp sting in dogs and what to do if your dog has been stung.
Wasp stings and bee stings in dogs
Sometimes bee stings or wasp stings can be dangerous, and in some cases even fatal for our four-legged friend. The very first thing we need to do, if possible, is work out what type of insect stung our pet. In the case of a bee sting, it is a good idea to try to remove the stinger that the insect leaves embedded in the area it has stung, along with a kind of venom sac that will continue to release poison. If it is instead a wasp sting in a dog, it is worth knowing that this insect stings repeatedly until it is sure it has released all the venom in its body.
Remedies for a dog stung by a wasp
Try to identify straight away where your pet has been stung. If you are lucky, the insect sting will be on the outer part of the lips, which will cause swelling accompanied by sharp pain. In this case, a useful remedy is an ammonia stick, which you should keep in your first-aid kit. If you don't have one, you can apply prompt compresses to the inflamed area using water and lemon juice or water and vinegar. In general, this should be enough to resolve the problem.
If the dog is stung on the muzzle, however, the swelling and pain can be more pronounced and persistent. In this case you need to call your vet, who will advise you on how to proceed. In this situation, the greatest risk is that what appears to us to be superficial inflammation may actually be concealing a serious case of poisoning — this depends on how much venom was injected and the exact point where the dog was stung. Water and bicarbonate of soda are an excellent solution while you wait for the vet, or again the ammonia stick. Be careful not to apply it too insistently to the affected area, as you risk burning the dog's skin.
Bee or wasp sting inside a dog's mouth
The situation is quite different when a dog is stung by a bee inside the mouth or nose — in this case there is not a moment to lose. The dog must be taken immediately to the nearest veterinary clinic or practice, as it is at risk of pulmonary oedema. Without prompt treatment, this could cost the dog its life. The risk of suffocation is very high, and your pet needs medical attention right away. It is also extremely important to make sure the dog has not swallowed the insect that stung it, to avoid internal stings.
Symptoms of a wasp sting in dogs
In reality, just as with people, when a dog is stung by a wasp or a bee, the danger of allergic reactions is always lurking. Again, it is not always easy to notice in time what is happening to your dog — bear in mind that allergic reactions vary in type and severity. In the case of a mild allergic reaction, a dog stung by a wasp or bee may show a slight fever or loss of appetite — all things that will resolve with a few days of rest.
A more significant reaction, on the other hand, may present as a form of hives in the stung area. In this case it is necessary to take the dog to the vet, since untreated hives can lead to the dog's death. The most severe allergic reaction is undoubtedly anaphylactic shock in dogs, which can cause immediate breathing difficulties, vomiting and convulsions, and can lead to the dog's sudden and unexpected death. The only way to counter anaphylaxis is with cortisone — in this case, the speed with which you manage to get the dog to the vet becomes absolutely critical, as it is their only chance of survival.
What to do if your dog has been stung by an insect
If you have a dog stung by a bee or a wasp, your first priority is to make sure the sting is not inside the mouth or nose — if it is, you need to rush to the vet immediately. Even when the insect sting has occurred in a less dangerous area, keep a close eye on your dog to look for any behaviour that might suggest an allergic reaction. These include: vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, convulsions or breathing difficulties. In this case too, it goes without saying — get to your vet as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately there is no way to prevent bee or wasp stings in dogs, and there is no way of knowing whether your dog is allergic or not. The only thing we can do is keep a close eye on them when we take them out for a walk, so that we can step in straight away if needed — and perhaps carry an ammonia stick with us.
