MY DOG HAS BEEN STUNG BY A BEE

In spring and summer, the countryside fills up with guests - among them are our four-legged buddies who share common spaces with other animals that can pose potential hazards.

If your little furry friend is especially inquisitive and likes to chase insects, you should supervise them closely to avoid any mishaps. Even still, accidents can happen to anyone, so here are a few tips on how to deal with them.
You may see your little buddy searching for or chasing a bug and suddenly hear them screaming.

Just make sure it was a wasp or a bee, and not another insect (horsefly, spider, scorpion, etc.) or a reptile (snake).

Remember if it had ever happened to them before and how their body reacted that time (some animals do not suffer great reactions and others can suffer a serious anaphylactic reaction).

Sometimes we won't notice until we get home and notice a part of their body is swollen, see them scratching, or make certain movements such as dragging their head across the floor or unusual surfaces.

The most frequent areas for stinging are those of the face, mouth, neck and, occasionally, the legs.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Bees sting only once, but it cannot be ruled out that they may have been stung several times. However, the same wasp may sting several times.
In the case the bee leaves its sting, we must extract it without breaking the poison bag or the reaction will be even worse.

If it is a young animal and it is the first time it has been stung, it may suffer a hypersensitivity reaction, but not an allergy, so it is less likely to be serious. However, if it has been stung before, it is more likely to suffer an allergic reaction.

If it is a young animal and it is the first time it has been stung, it may suffer a hypersensitivity reaction, but not an allergy, so it is less likely to be serious. However, if it has been stung before, it is more likely to suffer an allergic reaction.

WHAT TREATMENT OR FIRST AID CAN YOU PROVIDE?

1.-Identify the insect.

2.- If it is a bee, drag the sting with your fingernail or with a hard cardboard to remove it without breaking it.

3.- Wash with cold water and soap.

4.- Do not apply baking soda or vinegar, or any other substance, as there are no known studies to support this.

5.- Applying cold compressions will effectively reduce pain and slow down the progression of the poison.

6.- Only the administering of an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory treatment can prevent an anaphylactic reaction that can lead to shock, so if you suspect that this might happen, go to a vet urgently.

SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHILACY OR SERIOUS ALLERGY REACTION

- Exaggerated tissue inflammation.

- Extreme itching or desperate behaviour.

- Excessive salivation.

- Apathy.

- Breathing difficulties.

- Vomiting/diarrhoea.

- Seizures.

WARNING:

If your little furry friend has previously suffered from anaphylactic reactions, ask your vet for a prescription to carry the treatment with you at all times.

HOW TO AVOID BEING STUNG?

Early in the morning and late in the afternoon is when wasps and bees have less activity, so it is safer to go for walks then.

If it's a garden or you are camping, don't leave any sweet foods like juice or fruit, and, if possible, no food at all, as it will attract these insects and increase the chances of them stinging our little buddies.

If you know your dog likes to chase insects or play with them, you'd better supervise them whenever there's risk involved by providing alternative activities to distract them from this dangerous habit.

María González.
Founder of Refugio La Vida Color Frambuesa and vet for VeggieAnimals.