How to Care for Bee Stings In Your Pet

 

Summer is in full force and that means warm weather, outdoor activities, and unfortunately, bee stings. You can only do your best at making sure your pet stays out of the way of these stingers. If your pet has been stung in the mouth or throat, been stung multiple times, or is having an allergic reaction, with such signs as significant facial swelling, trouble breathing, or collapse, veterinary intervention is needed. Otherwise, you can likely treat your pet’s bee sting at home.

 

If your furry friend has found themselves getting mixed up with a bee, follow these steps to soothe their sting.

 

Step 1: Remove the bee stinger

Remove the bee’s stinger by scraping a credit card over the affected area. Avoid using tweezers or your nails, since squeezing the stinger may release more venom into your pet. Wasps and hornets do not leave stingers behind.

 

Step 2: Soothe and neutralize the sting

Soothe the area, and inactivate the venom, by applying a mixture of water and a neutralizing agent to the sting site. Since bee stings are acidic, baking soda and water will neutralize the sting. Wasp stings are alkaline, so vinegar works best.

 

Step 3: Use ice to reduce inflammation and swelling

Using an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, apply cold pressure to the sting for 10 minutes, to help reduce the swelling and pain.

 

Step 4: Contact your veterinarian for advice

If your pet has been stung, and is suffering a severe reaction—facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or collapse—take them to your veterinarian immediately. However, if your pet is having only a minor reaction, you may be able to give an over-the-counter medication at home. Contact our team for advice and a proper dosage for your furry pal.

 

If your pet stumbled across a beehive or wasp nest, contact us, and we will help soothe those angry stings.