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How to treat a dog with yellow jacket stings


Photo: Reid Parham/SXC

There isn't much worse than letting your puppy or dog out for a romp in the yard, only to have it come screaming toward you seconds later covered with yellow jackets. You're probably thinking that, as fall arrives, you don't need to worry about a yellow jacket stinging your dog. Unfortunately, according to Entomologist Jack DeAngelis, PhD, these nasty little wasps are most active and aggressive in the fall, when they are working to feed a massive family, so pet owners should be especially careful to check for infestations in their yards during September and October.

If your dog does get attacked by yellow jackets, get it away from the nest as fast as possible without endangering yourself or other people. Knock any remaining wasps off of the dog as you let it into the house and away from the danger zone. If you don't, they will continue to sting your dog and may also turn on you.

As soon as you remove the wasps and get the dog to safety, call your vet or the emergency vet hotline. You will probably need to take it into the vet's office immediately so your vet can be sure it is breathing okay and is not having a severe reaction to the yellow jacket bites.

The vet may suggest Benadryl shots, anti-inflammatory medication and anti-histimines over the next several days and will most likely advise you to pay close attention to your dog to be sure its' face doesn't swell up and to look for any changes in breathing.

Once you bring your pup home, be prepared for it to feel miserable. Those stings will hurt for several days. A little pampering and a favorite treat may be in order.