While you can’t always prevent your dog from being stung by a bee, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. As mentioned earlier, a cone collar is a better option to prevent your dog from licking or scratching the area. Applying too much pressure can cut off circulation and make the pain worse. However, this can cause more harm than good. If you’re worried about the swelling, it’s tempting to apply pressure to the area with a bandage. These medications may not be safe for dogs and could cause more harm than good. Using Human Medicationsĭon’t give your dog any over-the-counter medications without first consulting your veterinarian. Moreover, if your dog is having a more serious reaction, it’s best to wait for the vet’s instructions before giving them a bath. It’s best to wait until the swelling has gone down before giving them a bath. This could cause the venom to spread and make the reaction worse. Giving a Bath ImmediatelyĬleaning the wound is one thing, but giving your dog a bath immediately after they got stung by a bee is another thing. They’re also more likely to scratch or lick the area if it’s painful, so it’s best to avoid using heat altogether. Applying heat to the area will only make the pain worse and could cause the blister to pop. Just like humans, dogs can get blisters from bee stings. Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the length of each walk as they start to feel better. Once the swelling has gone down, you can slowly start introducing short walks back into their routine. If your dog is limping, it’s best to let them rest until the swelling goes down. Putting pressure or forcing your dog to “walk it off” will only make the pain worse and could cause additional swelling. You may also need to put an Elizabethan collar on them to prevent them from reaching the area. If your dog is scratching at the affected area, try to distract them with a toy or treat. Additionally, this could also cause infection if your dog’s nails are long or dirty. It might be tempting to give your dog a good scratch after they’ve been stung, but resist the urge! This will only make the pain worse and could cause additional swelling. Alcohol-based products will also dry out your dog’s skin, which can lead to irritation and itchiness. These include: Using Products Containing Alcoholīee stings are already painful, and using products that contain alcohol will only make the pain worse. However, there are some things you should avoid doing, as they could further irritate the affected area and make your dog’s limp worse. Usually, your dog will start walking normally within 24 hours – or at least, they’ll be able to put weight on the paw without too much discomfort. The limp may be temporary and would go away on its own once the swelling has subsided. As mentioned earlier, limping is one of the most common signs that your dog has been stung. Your dog’s paws are sensitive, and a bee sting can cause quite a bit of discomfort. Observe your dog for limping and other symptoms, and if they persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately. Additionally, you can give your dog a small dose of antihistamine to help with swelling.Īssess the wound and your dog’s symptoms periodically to see if the cold compress is still necessary. This will help reduce both pain and inflammation. Repeat this process every few hours as needed.įor minor swelling and redness, you may also hold a cold compress on the affected area for about 15-20 minutes. Wrap the ice in a thin towel to avoid frostbite, and never apply ice directly to the skin. Once the area is clean, you can apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling. This can be done by wrapping ice in a thin towel and holding it against the affected area for about 20 minutes. With a cotton pad, apply pressure to the wound if bleeding occurs. If you have some topical antibiotic ointment on hand, you can apply that as well. Use cool water and mild soap to gently cleanse the area, being careful not to irritate it further. ![]() A little digging might be necessary to find it.Īfter you’ve removed the stinger (if present), the next step is to clean the wound. Sometimes, the stinger can sometimes be buried beneath the skin. Once you’ve located the stinger, gently remove it with a pair of tweezers. If you can’t see a stinger, don’t worry – it’s possible that your dog was only partially stung or that the stinger came out on its own. This could be one of the causes why your dog starts to limp and is also a good indicator of just how serious the sting might be.Ĭheck the paws and in-between the toes for stings, as this is a common area for dogs to get stung. A stinger looks like a small, black speck and is usually easy to spot. ![]() If you think your dog has been stung by a bee, the first thing you should do is check the affected area for a stinger.
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