my dog's been stung by a wasp

[oilandwater]

As the title says, about 1 hour ago my 9 month old Yorkshire terrorist was stung on her head by a wasp. I have given her 1/4 of an anti-histamine tablet, she only weighs 9lbs. She wont let me look closer, so it obviously hurts, she has stopped shaking her head now. Any symptoms I should look out for? I know some PH's have dogs, so I bow to your wisdom please.

[theconrodkid]

mine was stung on his mouth,his face swelled up a bit but he never complained,later that evening after talking to another dog owner,i was told i should have taken him to the vet....it can be fatal.

[oilandwater]

I have managed to check her mouth, no stings there, just very big teeth! I was worried in case it had stung her tongue and made it swell. Why do these problems always occur on a Sunday when the vets are shut?

[Marcellus]

Not a vet so no real basis for oppinion, but Mrs M (ex breeder) says only need to take to a vet if dog looks to be in distress.... ours eats flies for fun and has sometimes got confused and yelped as she's been stung but nothing serious!

[becksW]

Don't give her any more anti histimine without phoning for a vets advice on dosing. However it should be enough to settle it down. If swelling occurs esp around face/ mouth be very aware that breathing can become a problem, vet help must be sought if so. Worst of swelling usually occurs within the hour but be watchful. Sometimes the sting can be removed and if the dog will let you vinegar (bicarbonte) can be used on it. (anti histimine creams can be used if on paw.

Dogs can go into anaphylatic shock with sting just like humans can so again keep close watch on her over next hour or so.

Other signs can be vomiting or diarrhoea. Drowsiness aswell but as you have give her antihisitmine that can cause drowsiness.

Just to note...It is always a good idea to phone a vets for appropriate advice, all vets have a 24hr emergency service and they will offer advice over the phone, which won't cost, much better than relying on replies from an internet forum.

Edited by becksW on Sunday 28th June 13:58

[oilandwater]

Thank you all.
I will keep a close eye on her. Poor little thing, she is sleeping now. I can't abide wasps.

[Thevet]

We get calls all the time about dogs being stung, but only once in a blue moon does a wasp/bee sting require veterinary attention. My advice is to regard a sting to a dog as you would to yourself, it's sore and will generally settle without any problems, but if you face swelled or your breathing became difficult, then you would probably phone the doc or head to A&E. And antihistamines don't really do alot for stings like that, they are not "histamine-mediated" reactions.

[oilandwater]

Thevet said:

We get calls all the time about dogs being stung, but only once in a blue moon does a wasp/bee sting require veterinary attention. My advice is to regard a sting to a dog as you would to yourself, it's sore and will generally settle without any problems, but if you face swelled or your breathing became difficult, then you would probably phone the doc or head to A&E. And antihistamines don't really do alot for stings like that, they are not "histamine-mediated" reactions.

Thank you very much. She seems to be OK now. Tail wagging and hungry.
Thank you again.

[voyds9]

Wasp stings are alkaline, help by rubbing in vinegar.


Bicarbonate of soda help bee stings

[pad58]

theconrodkid said:

mine was stung on his mouth,his face swelled up a bit but he never complained,later that evening after talking to another dog owner,i was told i should have taken him to the vet....it can be fatal.

Yep a vet is the best answer.