If your dog is stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet, it's important to know what to do. Most people don't realize that dogs can be susceptible to the effects of bee, wasp and hornet stings. With bee stings in dogs, it's important to know what to do. This article provides information on the types of venom contained in bee stingers, the physiological responses that can occur in dogs following a sting and how to provide supportive care. Read this article now for more information on bee stings in dogs!
What are the different types of bee stings in dogs?
There are two types of insect bee stingers: bee; wasp and hornet. Bee stingers are the only type that is barbed and can only sting once and the stinger will remain in your dog that would need to be attended to. Wasps and hornets do not have a barbed stinger and can sting multiple times. All types of bee stingers contain venom.
The estimated fatal dose of bee venom in dogs is between 15 and 25 stings per kilogram of body weight.
What are the physiological responses to bee stings in dogs?
Bee stings in dogs can cause a variety of physiological responses, ranging from mild to severe. The most common response is localized swelling and pain at the site of the sting. In some cases, the bee's venom can also cause allergic reactions, hives, and anaphylactic shock. If anaphylaxis does occur, it does within minutes of the bee sting.
With some bee stings in dogs, a delayed hypersensitivity may develop within 3-14 days and can cause serious health issues such as vasculitis, liver and kidney injury, and even heart disease. This type of physiological response to bee stings in dogs is uncommon but can occur.
What are the symptoms of bee stings in dogs?
Some dogs have only mild symptoms, such as localized pain, swelling, skin redness, and itchiness. You may be able to find the barbed stinger or a puncture wound on examination. Other dogs have more severe signs of a true allergic reaction, including regional swelling, skin redness and hives.
Dogs with anaphylactic shock may vomit, have diarrhea, weakness, vocalize, salivate, collapse, have breathing problems and seizures.
How are bee stings in dogs diagnosed?
Diagnosis of bee stings in dogs is usually achieved through a physical examination and history. Dogs may feel pain at the site of the sting and a puncture wound or an embedded stinger may be noted. The area may be red, swollen, and hot and may be localized or regional in distribution. The dog may be itchy and have wheals (raised areas on the skin).
What is the treatment for bee stings in dogs?
No specific antidote exists for bee sting venom and most cases of bee stings in dogs will resolve without any major intervention. Some dogs however will require additional treatment.
If your dog was stung by a bee (i.e. not a wasp or hornet), make sure the stinger is removed. When a bee stings, the stinger can still inject venom into the dog even if it is detached from the body of the bee.
The treatment for bee stings in dogs depends on the severity of the reaction. For mild reactions, such as localized pain and swelling, the application of a cool compress to the area can be soothing. Antihistamines may also be given to help with swelling and itching. Benadryl® can be safely administered at a dose of 2mg/kg of body weight.
For more severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, hospitalization and intensive supportive care will be required. This may include intravenous fluids, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine.
There is also the possibility of infection following bee stings in dogs. Therefore, if you notice swelling and pain that persists days after the sting, or if you notice any discharge at the site of the bee sting, contact your veterinarian as your dog may require antibiotics.
What is the prognosis for dogs with bee stings?
Most cases of localized reactions resolve within 12-24 hours with appropriate treatment. For dogs with more severe reactions, prompt medical care is essential for a fair to a good prognosis. Severe anaphylaxis or delayed hypersensitivity reactions can lead to significant complications, but recovery is still possible in these cases.
In conclusion, if your dog is stung by a bee, there are a few things you can do to help. Apply ice to the area, monitor your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction and call your veterinarian if you are concerned. By being prepared and knowing what to do if your dog is stung, you can help ease their pain and speed up their recovery.