Lola got stung by a bee!!

[Krysta Smith]

I had Lola outside this afternoon and we were playing badminton (I hit the birdie and she goes and gets it) The bumblebees have been out for about a week or two and Lola keeps trying to sniff them when they're on the ground. It looks like they're coming out of the ground butt first and I've been wondering if they live underground. Well, I've tried to keep a close eye on her and everytime she gets too close I tell her to 'leave it'. Today I turned my back for two seconds and turned around to see her backing away and shaking her head. I immediately went over to investigate and sure enough, there was a bee coming out of the grass. I checked Lola for any bee stingers and didn't find any but ten minutes after I brought her in I noticed one side of her lip is really swollen. She seems to be fine otherwise, right now she's sleeping on my bed. Do they always swell up? Is there anything I should watch for in case she's allergic? I checked again but didn't find anything, on her muzzle or in her mouth. Thanks in advance!!

[Jill Ramsey]

If you have some benedryl tablets, it would help with the swelling or any reactions. I always keep it on hand. Finn is 90 lbs and the vet told me to give him 2 tabs, but I only give him one, as it can make them drowsy. Also some ice applied to it would help.

[Rachel]

Sophie loves to chase and snap at the bees! She trys to catch them in the air...It make me sooo nervous. I started keeping benedryl on hand also. The dose is 1mg per pound and the tablets are usually 25mg. Yes it may make your dog drowsy but I would much rather have a hurting tired dog then a hurting awake dog...Helps them relax and then sleep it off.

[aussiesmum]

Aussie had already had 3 bug bites of some form. I took her to the vet the first time. vet said as long as it isn't in their mouth, it is generally ok. will swell like a marbel size, then go away in a few days. If it is in their mouth, take 'em to the vet.

[Chris Smith]

Nalu got stung by a bee a couple of months ago on his eye. Swelled up and caused his eye to drain alot. He also seemed sort of lethargic. I didn't give him anything but just watched him for a few hours (he seemed very tired) and put some baking soda mixed with a little water on it like a paste. He was fine. I called the vet and they also said I could give him Benedryl.

[Krysta Smith]

Thanks everyone!!
I gave Lola half of a benadryl tablet and an hour or so later the swelling had gone way down. I took her outside later and she went after another bee. I don't know what I'm going to do with her!! She still chases one of our cats who has swatted her at least half a dozen times. I guess it takes some dogs longer to learn when to leave things alone :rolleyes:

[Summer Magic]

Sorry to hear about the bee sting. Benadryl is great for the internal reaction the dog may suffer. But there is something you can do topically to ease the pain of the sting and lessen the swelling. As long is it isn't near the eyes. Just soak a cotton ball with vinegar and hold it on the bee sting for a minute or two. The vingegar neutralizes the poison in the sting and lessens the swelling. We used this a lot when my girls and I were camping with the Girl Scouts .

Judy and Magic

[Krysta Smith]

I've never heard of using vinegar for bee stings. I'll have to remember that for next time. Thanks Judy.

[heathea]

okay, so it is vinegar for bees and baking soda for wasps? I couldn't remember.
Talk to you later,
Thanks,
Heather

[Luciann]

Krysta,

I know the feeling, Frodo once got popped by a red wasp and Tika has caught a bee before and gotten stung. I gave both of them children's benedryl and it helps immensly. And like your baby Tika went after the bee a second time. I keep the benedryl on hand not just for stings and stuff but Frodo is allergic to pine pollen so he gets it in the spring quite a bit

[Summer Magic]

Hi Heather

Actually you can use vinegar on both wasp and bee stings as their poision is similar according to our trail guide for GS. The baking soda draws the poision out as it dries but doesn't neutralize it.


Judy and Magic

[heathea]

eeeeenteresting! :)
makes sense, bee and wasp stings must be alkaline in nature and need an acid to neurtralize the sting...hmmm. So I should/would use the vinegar and after a few hours use a baking soda paste.
Sounds do-able.
good to know.
take care!
Thanks!
-Heather