What to Do When a Wasp Stings Your Dog?

The playful nature of dogs sometimes gets them into trouble with wasps and bees. While stings usually cause only short-term discomfort, allergic reactions can worsen and prove fatal to the dog. In fact, KeepUrPetHealthy.com explains that a dog that goes into shock from an untreated allergic reaction can die within 10 to 20 minutes.

  1. Confirm the Culprit

    • Bees leave stingers after attacking their targets. If you find a stinger on your dog, you'll know it was stung by a bee. DogTrainingSite.net recommends using tweezers to remove the stinger. If you don't see a stinger, your dog was probably stung by a wasp. Bee stings will generally follow the same progression as wasp stings, however, so the same treatment applies in both cases.

    Reduce the Swelling

    • A sting from a wasp is never pleasant, but treating your dog immediately can alleviate much of the discomfort. There will usually be swelling around the location of the sting, and the area may itch. DogTrainingSite.net suggests applying an ice pack or wet cloth to the area of the sting to help reduce swelling and itching. The Hill's Pet Nutrition website advises applying a mixture of water and baking soda to the area to alleviate the pain.

    Lotions and Antihistamines

    • Lotions can provide relief from itching. DogTrainingSite.net suggests applying calamine lotion -- found at grocery and drug stores -- if the dog continues to scratch around the sting. KeepUrPetHealthy.com recommends giving the dog liquid Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine, at a dosage of 3/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds. Owners also should monitor their pet, to make sure its reactions to the sting don't worsen.

    Warning

    • Allergic reactions can progress to anaphylactic shock, which can prove fatal. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include wheezing, rapid breathing, trembling, weakness, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea and collapsing. KeepUrPetHealthy.com recommends wrapping the dog in a blanket to keep it warm and rubbing honey on its gums to help combat the shock. Dealing with anaphylactic shock requires quick reaction and immediate decision-making: A dog showing signs of a worsening allergic reaction should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.