BEE CAREFUL!

I took these photos of a bee hovering over a thistle in our back yard. Our yard is filled with many things that bees just love making it a nectar-filled smorgasbord.  From the clover that fills the yard to the ripe and juicy pears that fall from our pear tree, bees have plenty to feast upon.  While it's fascinating to watch these little guys in action, they can be very dangerous to your dog.

Dogs are curious creatures and may find a bee, or wasp or hornet, an interesting object to chase and play with, making their noses and mouths great targets for a stinger.  Or they could simply be walking through the yard and step on a bee who is collecting her nectar from some clover.  

If you think your dog has been stung by a bee, you should immediately seek the advice of your veterinarian as a bee sting can be life-threatening to your dog.  We like to keep Benadryl in the house at all times.  Your vet may recommend giving your dog a dose to reduce swelling and itching.  

Here are some signs that your dog may have been stung by a bee:

     ~   Crying out, running in circles, salivating
     ~   Mild signs include: swelling of the area; scratching, rubbing, licking, or chewing at  
         the sting
     ~   Severe signs include: profound swelling of the face, throat, or neck; hives, vomiting; 
          difficulty breathing; collapse


Of course, the best course of action would be to do everything you can to prevent the bee sting.  When the pears are ripe and falling from the tree, the pears must be picked up before the dogs can come outside.  We have a temporary plastic fencing around the thistle to protect the dogs from encountering the bees that hover there.  And we mow the lawn at least weekly so that the clover doesn't have a chance to get out of hand.  If you have a flower bed in your yard, you might consider putting a barrier around it to keep your inquisitive canine out.

Remember, a bee sting could be very dangerous to your dog, so if you believe she has been stung, don't wait.  Call your veterinarian immediately.