Swelling From Bee Sting in Dogs

If your dog spends time playing and exploring outdoors, there is a possibility he could get stung by a bee. A bee sting can cause pain and swelling on a dog, so first aid treatment needs to be administered as soon as possible. It is important to stay calm so your dog will stay calm as well. With a few basic first aid supplies that you already have at home, you can reduce pain and swelling from the bee sting.

  1. Remove the Stinger

    • The first thing you need to do for your dog after a bee sting is make sure the stinger is not still lodged under the skin. The longer a stinger stays in the skin, the more inflammation it will cause. Keep the dog calm with a soothing voice, and locate the stinger. If the stinger is still protruding from the skin, gently remove it with a pair of tweezers. If this doesn't work, scrape the surface of the skin with a credit card or something similar until it catches the edge of the stinger and pulls it out.

    Relieve Itching

    • After removing the stinger, you should apply a mixture of baking soda and water to the bee sting to relieve the itching. The dog will try to scratch or bite at a bee sting if it itches, which will make the swelling worse. Place a few tablespoons of baking soda in a small cup or bowl, and add just enough water to make a thick paste. If you don't have baking soda, apply ammonia or calamine lotion to the affected area with a cotton ball.

    Apply Ice

    • Apply an ice pack to the bee sting to help reduce the swelling. Frozen gel packs work nicely, but if you don't have one you can simply put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap a towel around the bag. Hold the ice on the affected area for five minutes, and then remove it for five minutes to avoid burning the skin. If your dog will not sit still for five minutes while you apply the ice pack, try giving your dog water or treats to entice him to stay in one place. Encourage your dog to relax in his favorite bedding until the swelling subsides, especially if the bee sting is on the paw.

    Call Your Veterinarian

    • If the swelling from the bee sting does not subside after the previously mentioned treatments, give your dog an antihistamine if you have one. Only give your dog medications that are specifically given to you by your veterinarian. Call your veterinarian or take your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately if you observe any changes in behavior, breathing or eating habits. These symptoms could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction, and require immediate medical attention. Ask your veterinarian for antihistamines to keep in a first aid kit in case your dog gets another bee sting in the future.