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PET POINTERS |
| Dear Pet Pointers:
My dog keeps getting stung by bees in our yard. I see him jumping and chasing them and every so often he gets puffy red areas on his face. Is this dangerous and should I be concerned?
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 ogs are more likely than humans to be bitten or stung by insects because our companions seem to like to play with these interesting little creatures. Unfortunately, the results of this interaction can be very painful and sometimes potentially dangerous. No one likes to get stung by a bee or wasp because the stings hurt but also for some individuals a sting can cause a deadly allergic reaction to the venom.
Dogs playing in a yard, rolling on soft green grass or putting their noses into a bush, can easily be stung by a bee. Insects will often sting the soft, less hairy part of a dog such as the nose and feet. Initial symptoms of a sting are swelling and redness, often in the face area, and these signs usually occur within an hour. Licking of the bite area or hives around the sting site may also occur. Later the symptoms could include pain in the muscles and joints, vomiting, diarrhea,
uncoordination, paralysis or convulsions.
Some stinging insects like bees embed the stinger into the victim's skin. When these bees fly away, the stinger and the venom sac remain. The venom sac continues to contract slowly until the contents are emptied into the victim. Immediate removal of the venom sac will prevent further injection of the venom. To successfully get it out, carefully part the hair to get a good view. For a bee sting, remove the venom sac by scraping it gently with a credit card or by pulling the stinger directly out with tweezers. The stinger is very small and is often black in color. The venom sac should not be compressed while the stinger is being removed because this will only inject more venom into the victim. The venom of the bee contains a number of toxic proteins, which attack various body systems. 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. Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets do not leave venom sacs.
Wash the wound with soap and water. Apply an ice pack to relieve initial swelling and pain and alternate it on and off the sting site. Applying a paste of baking soda and water to the area several times a day can help ease discomfort. The alkalinity helps relieve the itch. Make sure your dog does not try to lick the baking soda off as it can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Try to keep your dog as calm as possible. Observe for shock and watch breathing closely. If a dog swells up in the nose or throat region, it may not be able to breathe so it is extremely important to monitor your dog carefully after it has been stung. If the reaction is severe or if the dog is in shock, be sure to get immediate medical attention from a veterinarian. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) is a medical emergency. This type of reaction most often appears seconds to minutes after exposure. Quick veterinarian intervention is crucial in these situations since a veterinarian can administer antihistamines and steroids to reduce the inflammation and tissue reaction. In severe cases, epinephrine and fluids are also given to help counteract shock.
Bites and stings can also cause such severe damage to the tissue that it begins to die and often becomes infected. The site of the sting becomes ulcerated causing the wound to heal very slowly. While most bites do nothing more than make your pet a little itchy, sometimes the results can be deadly. If a dog has already had one anaphylactic episode, each subsequent one may be more intense. Some veterinarians will even prescribe a dose of injectable epinephrine for emergencies.
Dogs accidentally disturbing a hidden hive or swarm can be stung by many bees. Treatment of massive bee stings is directed at preventing shock, maintaining fluid volume and protecting the various organ systems at risk. Early detection of exposure allows for prompt treatment. Help keep your dog safe by thoroughly trying to eliminate bees and wasps in his outdoor area.
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