My dog was stung by a bee about ten days ago. Her poor middle toe on her paw swelled up big time and was beyond purple. The vet shaved her paw so we could keep an eye on it and gave us an anti-inflammatory/pain pill and antibiotics. Well, the swelling has gone down and it is almost back to normal color. However, two sores appeared on either side of her toe. We think either 1) this was the sting sight and maybe she got stung twice, or 2) the toe swelled so much the skin split on either side.

The pustules did break and have begun pussing white and occassionally blood. (Sorry this is so graphic.) Anyway, I have to keep an eye on her 24/7 to keep her from licking. Dogs will be dogs and in the wild I would imagine this is normal. Should I keep her from licking? They look like they are healing but I am not sure if I should take her back to the vet and get a salve or something. She is done with the antibiotics too.

SeaDancer82

~~ A Community for Pets, People and Animal Enthusiasts ~~

Well, you should call the vet up and ask to be sure, but Mythbusters (the tv show on Discovery Channel) did an episode and "confirmed" the myth about dogs' saliva having antiseptic properties (in spite of the fact that dogs lick their butts). So I wouldn't worry too much about it, especially since it appears to be healing alright, and she's done with the antibiotics and stuff.

Thank you for the response... I missed that Mythbusters!

Bitter Apple or Bitter Yuck are the best products I know to use. Just spray it on a wound or anything else the dog shouldn't lick. Purchase at Petsmart.

Mydogiscute is right about check it with a vet for it's quite scary though..

I took her back to the vet and they said it is healing but put her in a cone. The cone however has made her beyond miserable. Plus, we have a bird and anything new drives him crazy. Now, he keeps attacking the poor dog's head thinking it is being attacked by the cone. While hysterical, it is horrible for Miss Peeka Boo. I have removed the cone and just make sure she stays by my side all the time to keep an eye on her.

I hesitate to spray it with anything for fear it will burn or hurt too much.

SeaDancer82

~~ A Community for Pets, People and Animal Enthusiasts ~~