Take the Sting Out of Insect Bites

Bees, wasps, and yellow jackets are a fact of life during summer. When most of us spot these insects, we try to avoid them. Most pets, however, don't. Many pets even try to hunt or eat them. Is it because they don't get stung? No! Dogs and cats can and do get stung. For most pets—just as for most humans—insect stings are little more than a small pain and a nuisance. But for a pet who has an allergic reaction, a sting can be serious, even life threatening.

The most vulnerable areas
Pets are most vulnerable in areas where they have little or no hair. These include the nose, snout, feet, and even inside the mouth (that bee may get mad when your dog decides to make a snack out of him!).

What to look for
If you've seen a stinging insect near your pet and your pet whimpers or acts hurt, he may have been stung. Look for any area that's red (granted, this may be visible only on hairless areas or on short-haired pets); there might be a small bump. Even if you don't see your pet get stung, swelling or hives will indicate an insect sting. If your pet is allergic to insect venom, swelling will develop quickly where he's been stung and possibly in other parts of the body. These swollen areas may look like welts. In the most severe scenario, your pet's throat may swell, causing him to gasp for breath.

If your pet has been stung
If your pet is not having an allergic reaction, check the stung area for any stinger that may have been left behind. Stingers are very small and difficult to see; they usually look like tiny black splinters. You should try to remove the stinger, because it may continue to release venom. If you see the stinger, remove it by scraping it with a flat object (like a credit card). Some people think that using tweezers to pluck the stinger may cause it to release more venom as it is squeezed (though this hasn't been proven). Wash the area with mild soap and water and apply an ice or cold pack. You can also apply a paste made of baking soda and water as a home treatment for stings.

If your pet is having an allergic reaction, call your veterinarian immediately. She may have you give your pet an antihistamine while you're on your way to the hospital. (Never give antihistamines or any other medication without direction from your vet. You could kill your pet.) Apply ice packs to the swollen area on your way to the vet.

What to expect at the vet
If your pet is having trouble breathing, the vet may administer oxygen by mask or nasal tube. If your pet's throat is swollen, she may perform a tracheotomy (a procedure to create an opening in the trachea). Your vet may also give medications such as steroids, antihistamines, or epinephrine, administering them in either a vein or a muscle. She will probably apply ice or cold packs to the swollen site and will remove any remaining stingers.

Be proactive
Try to keep your pet away from any stinging insects. Search for and remove any insect nests near your house. If your pet has a history of allergic reactions, speak to your vet about having the correct dose of antihistamines on hand, because allergic reactions can get progressively worse. Keep the medication in a first-aid kit close at hand.