You should have asked the first vet's office what you should do if the swelling became worse until you could bring your dog in. The answer would probably have been to give the baby some Benadryl, perhaps cold packs, and to watch it. If develops problems breathing or swelling becomes much worse call back and bring in immediately or to the 24 hour vet. Or that was what I was told when one of my dogs caught something with a stinger.

Now you need to talk to whichever vet you take your dog to as to why prednisone is used in stings and bites.

If you have ever had a sting or even a mosquito bite you may remember that it started itching later. Think of the itching and the welt that probably formed around it. That is what happened with your dogs bite.

I’ve only had this happen once but the swelling did NOT come back a 2nd time.

Mal: we did make the 4:30 appt with the vet we had gone to the first time, all they told DD was to check her gums to make sure if you pressed on them they turn white and then pink again. DD spoke with vet first vets office, I should have spoken with them myself...I'm not sure if DD just said she had a lump under her chin or that she was starting to swell etc. I would had asked what to do if it got worse if I had spoken to them directly. Lesson learned.

Sorry I did not understand that you took her to the same vet I thought it was another one. Make a call Monday and ask your questions. The vet will probably have to call you back.

maifleur covered it well. I would have also given Benadryl first before I would use pred.

When my vet is busy they ask that I drop my pet off so they can monitor him until the scheduled vet appt. If he needed attention before then, any of the vets there would treat him.

But, there have been times I've headed straight to the ER based on how dire the situation was.

Years ago sons dog got stung by a wasp. Called local vet who said to give Benadryl. It worked great.

Was told to give a child's dose of Benadryl. Fed her a bowl of ice cream and it brought the swelling down noticeable. That night another child's dose of Benadryl for the itching and to help her sleep. All gone by morning.

No, I did not take our dog to the first vet...we made the appt with the first vet but got in with another vet...I was just saying all the said was to check the gums...they never said what to do between when we called and hours later till the app...so we went to the other vet that could get us in right away and cacelled the later appt. with first vet. . I didnt think to ask about “what ifs” with the vet that could get us in right away, I just figured it would be like the first time. Shots at the vet and she‘d be good. Definitely will be keep benedryl on hand for her...and I’ll be asking lots of questions any time we see the vet.

Just a thought here but ........ do dogs react to poison ivy or sumac like humans?

Yes, dogs can get poison! Most don't because they have thick long hair but had a little dog, short hair, got poison on her belly. Appears pink, very itchy. Gave her child's does Benadryl as she could not stop itching and could not fall asleep (neither could we). In morning took her to vet and I think they gave use some pills for her.

I used to breed and exhibit a brachycephalic breed dog. Was always concerned about insect stings. My Vet provided me a couple of appropriately dosed syringes dosed up with dexasone - Dexasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Cost was maybe $3 total - shelf life was in years. If one of mine was stung, I was to inject the dog, administer Benadryl - liquid to get into system quickly, and phone and tell him I was on my way to his hospital with the dog(s).

I no longer have that breed - I now have a rescue Greyhound - and my Vet has provided me again with two dosed syringes - however he has told me to not use them before calling him, however start the Benadryl. (Liquid.)