No human likes to be stung by a bee, wasp, or other stinging insect, but what about our four-legged friends? Because dogs typically have curious and playful natures, they are particularly susceptible to putting their nose (and paws) where they don’t belong and ending up with a sting. Even with the most trainable dog, it’s almost impossible to train them to avoid bees, wasps, and hornets.

If your pet does get stung and the area is swollen, that is a localized reaction to the sting. To stop venom from spreading, remove the stinger as quickly as possible. Use acredit card and scrape the stinger out. Don’t squeeze the stinger, as this may rupture the venom sac. Contact your veterinarian, who will probably advise you to give your pet an over-the- counter antihistamine. You can also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain for your pet.

If you suspect your pet has been stung, here’s a list of dangers to watch for:

• Hives
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain to the touch
• Vocalizing
• Lameness/limping
• Licking at or pawing the affected site
• Disorientation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pale pink or white gums
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Low blood pressure

Stings on your pet can be more dangerous than you might think. It’s difficult to know if your pet will have a reaction, so if they’ve been stung, it’s advised to take them to a vet for care. A pet with extreme hypersensitivity to a sting could go into anaphylactic shock and die from a severe reaction. Also, if they’re stung in certain areas, there are additional concerns to worry about. A sting near the throat, neck, or mouth can cause airway restriction, for example. If in doubt, the best rule of thumb is to take your pet to the vet.

How to Protect your Pet

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to bee stings. Here are some good tips for keeping your pet safe:

• Walk your dog with a short leash lead to prevent access to places where bees may be, such as flowering bushes.
• Don’t let your pet outside alone without an adult nearby.
• Try to avoid areas known to harbor beehives. Even if they aren’t currently visible, bees swarm fast and can rapidly overtake your pet.

The very best prevention is to have an experienced professional rid your yard and surrounding areas of all nests that could harbor stinging insects. Call the experts at Green Pest Control today and help protect your pets.