Wasp & Hornet Stings on Dogs

Wasp and hornet stings on dogs are quite common. Dogs are playful and curious by nature, which often leads them to sniff around in various areas. This seemingly harmless behavior is often what brings about a wasp or hornet sting, because these insects won't hesitate to protect themselves or the hive if they feel threatened. While a single sting can cause discomfort to your dog, multiple stings can be fatal if you do not take certain actions.

  1. Reaction

    • Certain signs will indicate to you when your dog has just become the victim of a wasp or hornet sting. These types of stings are very painful to a dog, and the dog's reaction after a sting is usually the first clue that something is wrong. Once stung, a dog will often let out a loud yelp. Next, the dog will dash away from the area, looking in all directions for the culprit. Dogs can also reveal the general area of the sting, as they will have their attention set on the part of their body that's itching and in pain.

    Swelling

    • While pain is one concern for a dog after a wasp or hornet has stung it, swelling should be an even greater concern. When wasps or hornets sting a dog, the area of the dog's body that's been stung nearly always swells up dramatically. Dogs can also be allergic to wasp and hornet stings, which can bring about negative allergic reactions. A dog's mouth and throat are danger zones for swelling if a dog gets stung there. Due to the dangers of suffocation, seek veterinary assistance if a dog displays swelling in these areas.

    Sting Removal

    • Once a hornet or wasp stings your dog, it's important to locate the stinger so that you can remove it. The area that's suffered a wasp sting will likely be red and swollen. Get a magnifying glass so that you can clearly see the stinger that you're trying to remove. Use a credit card or something similar to scrape the stinger from its location. Allowing a stinger to remain can lead to more venom being pumped into the dog.

    Treatment

    • To cope with the swelling after removing the stinger, make an ice pack and apply it to the area of the sting. If your veterinarian provided antihistamines, treat the dog with them. Your vet may need to give further treatment, including administering fluids and checking vital signs. Treatment at the vet will focus on preventing the dog from going into shock.