Those Stinging Bees

from The American Kennel Club

No one likes to get stung by a bee or wasp. Such stings not only hurt, causing swelling and sharp pain, but for some individuals a sting can also cause a deadly allergic reaction to the venom. These insects will not only sting humans, but also animals which can have the same type of reaction as humans.

Dogs playing in a yard, rolling on the soft, green grass, or putting their noses into a fragrant bush can easily be stung by a bee. Dogs accidentally disturbing a hidden hive or a gathering swarm can be stung by many bees. Dogs trailing behind their owners who disturb a hive or swarm are in as much a danger from multiple stings as humans.

What to do if a dog is stung by a bee or wasp:

• Carefully remove the stinger with tweezers, if it is accessible, (only bees leave stingers)
• Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the sting area
• Apply an ice pack to relieve swelling and pain and alternate it on and off the sting site
• Sit and comfort the dog until the pain has gone away
Usually a single sting does not present a serious problem. The exception can be the sting on the nose, mouth or around the head. If the swelling is minor, just watch the animal to be sure your pet is not having breathing or swallowing difficulties. If the swelling gets huge within five or ten minutes, see a vet immediately. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

"The bee's stinger is barbed. When it stings, it pulls out of the bee's abdomen, taking the entire venom sac with it. Constriction of the muscles around the sac will continue pumping venom into the victim for several minutes after the sting. The venom of the bee contains a number of toxic proteins, which attack various body systems. Reactions range from local swelling and pain around the stung area to anaphylactic shock with total system collapse and death. These reactions may develop within minutes of the sting, and probably will occur if the reaction is allergic in nature. Even if the dog escapes the allergic threat of the toxins, it still faces the toxic threat of the venom. There may be damage to the liver, kidneys, nervous system or blood cells. These effects may be seen immediately or they may not be apparent for several days. Complete destruction of the dog's red blood cells may occur despite all efforts at treatment.

"The typical bee sting case that veterinarians see in their practices involves the accidental disturbance of a hive or swarm by either the dog or its owner. This usually involves stings to both parties. If this happens to you, your best defense is distance. Call your dog to you and run! Put as much space as possible between yourself and the bees. The bees may be quite aggressive and pursue a victim over some distance. By all means, attempt to help your dog to escape by calling to it or, if necessary, carrying it away with you. Just keep in mind that a swarm of angry insects can be life threatening to you as well as your dog. Once the attack has subsided, seek immediate medical attention for the dog, and for yourself if you were also stung.

"Treatment of massive bee stings is directed at preventing shock, maintaining fluid volume, and protecting the various organ systems at risk. This can be started in the field by promptly administering antihistamines, which should be in every dog owner's first aid kit. The medication can be given orally or by injection - your veterinarian can advise you on what to do.

"After rapid administration of antihistamines in the field, you should quickly take your dog to the closest veterinarian. In cases of massive stings, the dog's best chance of survival is hospitalization with aggressive treatment and close monitoring. At my practice we treat all bee sting cases with intravenous catheterization, the administration of fluids to prevent shock and circulatory collapse, the giving of corticosteroids as required and the close monitoring of vital signs. Serial blood work may be required over a two-day period to detect any damage to the dog's organs. Early detection of damage allows for prompt treatment to minimize damage wherever possible.”