Exploring new places with your pets often involves spending time outdoors. And being out in nature means you’re more likely to encounter biting insects. In this article you will learn what to do if your dog or cat is stung by a bee.
Nobody likes to be stung. At the very least, it’s going to be uncomfortable. And since dogs and cats can have allergic reactions similar to humans, getting stung by a bee can be very concerning. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep bees at bay.
Avoid confrontations
The safest strategy is to avoid tangling with the wrong insect… although convincing your pets to cooperate can be difficult! So it’s important to take some precautions to help your dog or cat stay away from bees.
Start in your garden by growing plants like chrysanthemums, lemongrass or primrose, which do not attract bees. When you and your pet are outside, light citronella candles and don’t leave food outside. And make sure you’ve trained your dog to “leave it” whenever he’s tempted to stick his nose where it doesn’t belong.
Your dog or cat has been stung by a bee – now what?!
Yet, even if you take every precaution, accidents happen. Pets can be stung on the face, inside the mouth, on their legs or other parts of their body if they attack, sit on or step on a bee. So it’s best to be prepared!
How to tell if your pet has been bitten
If you don’t actually see your cat dog get stung by a bee, you’ll need to look for other clues of the encounter. Check for swelling, pawing at the face, or obsessive licking. These are signs that your best friend has encountered a business problem.
If you notice these symptoms, you will need to monitor your pet carefully for the next few hours. Some animals, like some people, are very sensitive to insect toxins. In these cases, your pet could experience anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that can cause the circulatory system to shut down.
READ MORE ⇒ What You Need to Know About Emergency Vets (Before You Need One)
Signs of a serious allergic reaction to a bee sting
If you notice any of them of the following symptoms, which usually occur within an hour after the bite, DO NOT DELAY in seeking veterinary care:
1. Severe, profuse swelling (i.e. the entire face rather than just the lip)
2. Difficulty breathing or increased respiratory effort, possibly due to swelling of the throat
3. Very pale or blue-tinted mucous membranes (inside the lips and gums)
4. Rapid and/or irregular pulse
5. Prolonged capillary refill time (see “Check your pet’s vital signs“, but if the gums are pale or it takes more than 2 seconds for the color to return to the gum when pressed with your finger, your pet needs immediate medical attention.)
Treating Your Pet’s Bee Sting
Even if your pet doesn’t seem to have a serious reaction, the sting can still be painful. Keep it nearby while you gather the following items:
- A cold packet
- Baking soda or meat tenderizer containing papain
- Epi-pen, if your pet has previously had encounters with bees and is known to be allergic
- Water
- Syringe, dropper or spray bottle
- Diphenhydramine/Benadryl® (Note: The product you purchase must contain diphenhydramine as only active ingredient. Some products contain additional pain relievers and/or decongestants that may be harmful to pets.)
Depending on where your dog or cat was stung by a bee, there are steps you can take to speed their recovery.
IF THE STING IS INSIDE THE MOUTH:
— Offer your pet an ice cube or a small amount of ice water to minimize swelling
— Ask your veterinarian for advice immediately, as the mucous membranes of the mouth will absorb the insect’s toxin more quickly. If your pet’s tongue is swollen, it may be impossible to administer artificial respiration and a veterinarian will be best equipped to help.
IF THE STING IS ELSEWHERE ON THE BODY:
The stinger may be hidden in your pet’s fur, or it may have already been removed with its paws. But if you can see it, erase it with a credit card, an ice cream stick, or your fingernail. Do not pull on the stinger with your fingers or tweezers, as you may puncture the poison sac, allowing more toxins to enter your pet’s body.
If you have been prescribed an epi-pen specifically for your pet due to previous allergic reactions, read and follow the attached instructions. Follow up with your veterinarian immediately as anaphylaxis may occur.
If you can locate the bite site, dab it with a paste made from a tablespoon of baking soda or meat tenderizer mixed with a drop of water. (Meat tenderizer and baking soda are both alkaline and work to counteract the acidity of the toxin. Additionally, the papain in tenderizers breaks down the toxin’s proteins.)
Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl® antihistamine). Although this medication is generally considered safe for cats and dogs, consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage. Also discuss any other medications your pet is taking and any pre-existing health conditions. Diphenhydramine will help relieve mild allergic reactions and make your pet drowsy, allowing them to relax and preventing them from scratching the sting site. If the swelling persists for more than 6 to 8 hours, consult your veterinarian for further treatment.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, but remove it every few minutes to prevent frostbite. Placing the cold compress in a damp washcloth will help prevent your pet’s skin from becoming too cold.
Homeopathic Tip: Apis Meliffica, also known as the honey bee, can help the body reduce burning or stinging pain.
READ MORE ⇒ How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Fever
Preparations for traveling with pets
Of course, bee stings don’t always happen when you’re at home. So make sure the items you’ll need to treat a bee sting are in your car’s first aid kit and your hiking backpack.
Additionally, if your pet is too big to fit in your backpack, consider getting a emergency sling (affiliate link) which would allow you to return it to your car.
Being prepared allows you to quickly give your pet the attention it needs. And the sooner it gets better, the sooner you can start having fun again.
READ MORE ⇒ Make a Pet First Aid Kit for Your Car
About the Author: Denise Fleck has trained with 12 national animal organizations and taught over 10,000 animal lovers animal rescue skills. She developed courses, wrote nine books, and created a line of first aid kits and pet posters so people can help their pets BEFORE they can get veterinary care.
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