my dog accidentally stepped on a bee today. She's limping a bit and seems uncomfortable. Is there anything I should do or watch for to make sure she's okay? Any home remedies to help with the swelling?

Hey there! Sorry to hear about your pup stepping on a bee. It’s pretty common and usually not too serious, so you’re doing the right thing by keeping an eye on her. Here are a few things you can check and steps you can take at home:

• Look for the stinger: If you can still see the stinger, try to remove it as soon as possible. You can use the edge of a credit card or your fingernail to gently scrape it out. Avoid using tweezers—it might squeeze more venom from the stinger.
• Swelling and redness: Some swelling and redness around the area is normal. You can apply a cold compress to her paw for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Pain relief: If she seems in pain, you might consider giving her an antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Check in with your vet for the appropriate dosage based on her weight.
• Allergic reactions: Watch out for any signs of a severe allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing, excessive swelling, or hives. If you notice any of these, it’s important to get her to a vet immediately.
• Limping and discomfort: Some limping or discomfort is normal for a day or two. If it persists or worsens, that's when you might want to touch base with your vet.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.