Bee Stings

Bee Stings

I was letting two Dachshund puppies out for their daily potty and play time break on a beautiful summer morning when inspiration for a pet care article struck. While waiting for them to go potty I noticed bees swarming around the swamp cooler. One of the puppies also noticed and went over to investigate. Dachshunds, and many other breeds, are fearless and inquisitive little soldiers! The bees reacted to his presence at their water source and began buzzing around his head. The puppy found this activity to be very curious and was ready to do battle - how dare these little flying creatures defy me!

I quickly called the puppies away from the area before any harm was done and notified the client about the bee problem along with recommendations to resolve the issue.

Here in Southern Arizona africanized honey bees are on the rise and behave more aggressively than typical honey bees. You should be vigilant about protecting your pets from them. Here are a few tips to follow.

Eliminate water sources. Bees are attracted to water and can become aggressive around it.

Fish ponds, water bowls, bird baths, swamp coolers, livestock troughs and leaky faucets will all attract bees. Check your yard for water sources and take preventative measures so the bees can't get to them or move them away from your pet's yard.

Manage food sources. Hummingbird feeders should be bee-proof and placed outside pet areas. Flowering shrubs and ground cover plants should not be planted in an area where your pets play.


You may notice bees "bumping" into you or your dog. This behavior is a warning - the bees want you to move away from the beehive, food source or water they are protecting.

Nest Prevention. Bees (and snakes!) will be attracted to dense, brushy areas and piles of debris. Keep your pet's yard well trimmed and free from clutter such as empty flower pots, rock piles and other debris.

What to do if your pet is stung. If your dog is stung by a bee watch for signs of an allergic reaction which include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing (most of the time they are stung in the face and mouth) and excessive swelling. Seek immediate veterinary attention.

Home Remedies. Normally bee stings do not cause an allergic reaction and simple home remedies can help your pet be more comfortable. If you can see the stinger you can remove it by scraping it with your fingernail, a credit card or similar object. Avoid squeezing the stinger, as with tweezers, as this will cause more venom to be discharged. You can make a thick paste with baking soda and water and apply this to stings to draw out the venom (for obvious reasons this is not recommended for stings inside the mouth!). Applying ice packs wrapped in a thin towel will help reduce pain and swelling; be careful to not cause discomfort by applying and removing the ice pack in 5 to 10 minute intervals. 

Creature Comforts Pet Sitting Service serves pets in the Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca and Hereford area. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, dog biking, pet waste removal and pet taxi services.