Dutch Shepherd Forum

Kitsune gave me a scare today.
I didn't know dogs could go into anaphylactic shock, my other dogs just needed a little Benadryl when they got stung. So scary, I thought she was a goner. Her gums were as white as her teeth, she was throwing up and her face was lumpy and swollen. I was a mess. When I saw her face I thought bee sting...but the white gums really freaked me out. A shot of benadryl and a shot of steroids later she is doing well...she will be on benadryl for the next 3 days.

Is this a Dutchie thing...never had a dog get anything more than some lumps from a sting. Guess we are going to have to watch her around bees...grr.

I think it mainly depends on the dog...? I know some dogs can have anaphylactic reactions to anything, just like humans, but per se a DS thing... Not too sure. I do know the body has to have some exposure prior to the anaphylaxis. In humans I know the reaction to the allergen can also sometimes depend on amount of allergen, how many previous exposures, as well as if the immune system is already stressed. On a perfect day I'm not very reactive to avocados, but on a day where my allergies are going full blast for a few days, I can go into a mild anaphylactic reaction from the least amount of avocado.

I do know that in humans, bee venom does have cross reactants to other type of insect venom (wasp, fire ant, and I think some spiders), so I would keep an eye on insect bites and her, just to be safe. For my own curiosity, did the vet tell you anything to do in case she is stung again?

The vet said it is best to get Kitsune in for those shots again (benadryl and steroids) if it happens again, but she also gave us some steroid pills and told us to keep them and a bottle of benadryl with us for when we can't get to a vet (camping, at the beach...etc). She is not sure if Kitsunes reactions will get worse, better or stay the same. I do have a friend who carries a childs epi pen for her dog...we may end up doing that if her reactions get worse.

Oh geeze, that must've been scary.

My dogs eat bees. Every chance they get. They get stung, but those suckers must be delicious, because it doesn't deter them in the slightest.

Hahaha dogs are crazy.

it might well turn out that she gets less allergic as she leaves early puppyhood. approaching adulthood usually lessens allergic sensitivity in dogs, in humans, etc. reactivity that existed at a young age can all but disappear. so lets hope this reaction is more a function of her age than underlying proclivities. good you are prepared.

Good to know, thanks.