Most dogs are bundles of energy that like to run around all over the place whenever they get the chance.
That character trait makes them endearing and oh so lovable. Not everyone outside may love the sight of dogs jumping around though. If your pet gets too close a hive or to any other location where bees are gathered, things can go bad in a hurry.
Those insects can strike quickly too and you may not know something’s wrong until your dog is already crying out in pain.
Don’t panic if you believe your pet receives a bee sting. Instead, follow the tips listed below to keep your dog safe and address the sting properly.
Restrain and/or Muzzle Your Dog
Dogs may act differently if they are experiencing pain. Even if you believe your dog won’t bite you, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Before attempting to do anything about the bee sting, restrain and/or muzzle your dog first to make things safer and easier.
Remove the Stinger
With your pet restrained, you can now take out the stinger. It will usually be in the place that your dog is pawing at or biting.
How Stuff Works recommends using either a credit card or a dull knife to remove the stinger. Using those tools is smart because you don’t want to pinch the stinger and release more of the bee’s venom.
Provide Relief for the Bee Sting
Once the stinger has been removed, you can now start to provide comfort for your dog. To do that, VCA Hospitals suggests applying a paste made from baking soda and water on to the site of the sting or giving your pet an oatmeal bath.
You can also apply an ice pack if you start to notice some swelling.
Place a Protective Cone around Your Dog
Your dog could start scratching at bite site even after you’ve treated it with the paste. In that case, make use of a protective cone to keep your dog from reaching the affected area. This will also prevent further irritation of any wounds that may have opened up.
Take Your Dog to the Vet
It’s tempting to give your pet some anti-histamine after being stung by a bee, but you’ll be best served to just take a trip to the vet. If anti-histamine is needed, the vet can handle that. Any adverse allergic reactions can also be addressed by going to the doctor.
Receiving a bee sting can turn out to be a very difficult experience for your pet dog, but you can mitigate some of the discomfort by reacting quickly and correctly. Keep the tips mentioned above in mind so that you can keep your dog protected.
We at TAILored Pet Services will always watch out for your dog’s safety. Contact us if you need a dog walker by calling or texting 425-923-7791 or by visiting our website.
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