Would you know what to do if your dog was stung by a wasp? Although the vast majority of stings result in only temporary pain and swelling, just like humans some pets are allergic to insect venom and could die from the reaction if emergency treatment does not get to them in time.
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How to Spot an Allergic Reaction
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If your pet is stung by a wasp, look for signs that it is experiencing a true allergic reaction. Symptoms of a life-threatening emergency include: Dramatic swelling of your pet's muzzle; fever or extremely low body temperature; wheezing or rapid breathing; trembling and weakness; pale gums; vomiting; diarrhea; or collapse. Pets can die from shock within 10 to 20 minutes unless they get veterinary help, so act immediately.
First, give an antihistamine if you have one available and rush the animal to a vet. On the way, wrap your dog in a blanket to keep it warm and turn on the car's heater in cool weather. Put syrup or honey on the gums to keep the dog conscious. If you hear gurgling noises, this might indicate the lungs have filled up with fluid. In this case, small dogs must be picked up by the legs, and large dogs must be picked up around the hips. Then hold the animal upside down for 10 seconds or so to drain the fluids. Also, be prepared to perform artificial respiration if your dog stops breathing. You will need to wrap your hand around the muzzle to close the mouth, then blow two quick, hard breaths into the nose, and watch to see the chest rise. Continue giving 15 to 20 breaths a minute until the pet is breathing again or you arrive at the vet's office. Dogs who have experienced one allergic reaction will be more prone to having life-threatening reactions in the future. You may need to carry an Epi-Pen, the injectable form of epinephrine around with you at all times.
Removing the Stinger
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With any insect sting, you should try to remove the stinger as soon as possible, so it won't continue to seep poison into your dog's system. Use something with a sharp edge, like a credit card, knife, or fingernail, to dislodge the stinger from the skin Do not use tweezers or fingers, because they could force more venom into the wound.
Household Remedies
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To treat swelling, rinse a clean cloth in cold water and hold it against the sting. Then place a cold pack or bag of ice on top of the wet cloth. Apply the pack to the area for 10 to 30 minutes several times a day. (A bag of frozen peas or corn can work well in place of the ice pack.) For stings inside the mouth, you can offer your dog ice cubes to lick or a bowl of ice water. An alternative is to flush your pet's mouth with 1 tsp. of baking soda mixed in a pint of water, injected from a turkey baster or squirt gun. Make sure the dog does not inhale the liquid.
Another treatment for external stings is to make a poultice from 1 tablespoon baking soda and enough water to make a thick paste. Dab the poultice into the injured area, trimming a little hair first in order to gain access. If your dog develops hives or itching, you can use cold water soaks or oatmeal baths for 20 minutes twice a day.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
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For swelling and allergic reaction, mild or serious, administer an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)--the type for allergies and not the sinus formulation--in either liquid or tablet form. Typical dosages would be 10 mg for dogs under 30 pounds, 25 mg for dogs 30 to 50 pounds, and 50 mg for dogs over 50 pounds. You may need to repeat the dose every six to eight hours until the swelling has subsided. For pain, you can administer acetominophen, but check with your veterinarian first for dosage instructions. For intense itching, you can try calamine or zinc oxide.
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