What to Do if Your Dog is Stung by a Bee

Dogs tend to be easily captivated by small moving objects, and as many pet owners and pups alike have learned the hard way, this includes ones that sting. Are bee stings dangerous to a canine, and what should you do when your dog gets stung?

Depending on where you live and your dog’s level of curiosity, their risk of being stung by a bee could vary. Nevertheless, all pet owners should know what to do if and when it happens. Some pets’ reactions to stings can be severe, so the last thing you want to do is ignore it and leave things to chance.

How to tell your dog has been stung by a bee

Unless you actually see your dog get stung, it can be hard to tell when it happens. However, if your curious dog gets stung by a bee, they will likely react in some form. Bee sting reactions commonly appear around the head or face, as your pet sniffs a buzzing insect with their nose. Bees can also sting in the mouth if your pooch snaps at one, or on the paws or legs if they step near a stinging insect.

Most bee stings on dogs result in localized reactions only. While local reactions can be self-limiting and may clear up quickly on their own, there are some signs to watch for. This most notably includes skin inflammation that appears as a circular swelling. The skin may appear white in the center, changing to red and irritated as the inflammation spreads from the stinger. The site of the sting will likely be painful to the touch for your dog. In some cases, it may feel warmer to the touch than the surrounding area.

Other signs your dog has a bee sting

• Redness in a small spot of their skin
• Scratching or biting or licking at a particular spot
• Swelling
• Welts on the skin (symptom of hives, also known as urticaria or wheals)
• Whining or whimpering (a lot of dogs will do this when hurt!)
• Holding up one leg or paw (if stung there)
• Pawing at the face (if stung on their head or muzzle)

Note that some dogs may show more severe signs of a bee sting. If your dog appears dizzy, has trouble breathing, has gastrointestinal upset, or is showing signs of weakness or even significant swelling, seek veterinary attention right away. This is usually only the case with dogs who have an anaphylactic reaction (see more on this below) or in rarer situations where a dog has been stung numerous times by a swarm of bees.

Can dogs be allergic to bees?

It’s well known that humans can be allergic to bees, but what about canines? It may come as a surprise to learn that yes, your dog can have an allergic reaction to a bee sting (or rather, the venom deposited in the sting). If your pet is allergic, you will notice a more severe, systemic reaction when your dog is stung by a bee, rather than only localized inflammation. If your pet has an allergic reaction to the sting, you may also see fever, shortness of breath, lethargy, and excessive inflammation and swelling. Like people, dogs can also develop anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, to bee stings. This can happen within minutes of the sting.

If you notice any of the following signs of anaphylactic reaction, it’s time to seek veterinary attention:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Significant swelling (especially around the face and neck)
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures
• Collapse

In one case, a dog who was stung by approximately 10 bees developed acute kidney injury after suffering from anaphylaxis. This isn't to say that this situation is common or that it will happen to your dog even if they are allergic — it's just another reason to be extra careful with dog bee stings.

If you already know your dog is allergic to bees, take special precautions to keep them safe outdoors, but be prepared by developing a sting-treatment plan with your veterinarian. You may need to rush your pet to an emergency veterinary clinic at the first sign of a reaction or your veterinarian may recommend you consider having medication on hand to administer immediately.

Your vet may advise you keeping an EpiPen on hand if your dog is at heightened risk of allergic reactions to bee stings. And while it should go without saying, do not administer an EpiPen or any allergy medication to your pet unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.

It’s also worth noting that dogs can sometimes display allergic reactions to new stings even if they’ve never had them prior. So, always keep a close eye on your dog if they’ve been stung, even if just for peace of mind.

What to do when your dog gets a bee sting

The good news is that most bee stings are self-limiting and resolve on their own without treatment. Of course, this doesn’t change your wanting to help speed along your pet’s recovery. If your dog is stung by a bee, follow these three first-aid steps:

1. Remove the stinger  — If the stinger is still present, carefully remove it to help minimize inflammation. Avoid squeezing the stinger with tweezers and releasing more venom. Instead, scrape the stinger out with a credit card or stiff piece of paper.
2. Wash and calm the sting site  — After you’ve removed the stinger, cleanse the area with a gentle soap. Don’t scrub, as this can further irritate the spot and increase inflammation. To help calm and soothe the area, apply a cold compress for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation and associated pain.
3. Consult your veterinarian — As they may need to examine your pet to see whether or not medication will be required. If symptoms are mild, your veterinarian may recommend monitoring for 12 to 24 hours for resolution of symptoms or development of new symptoms. Though in rare cases, symptoms may not be noticed until 3 to 14 days after the sting.

When to seek veterinary care

If your pet seems painful or itchy, and you cannot control their reaction at home despite following veterinary advice, they may need additional treatment from a veterinarian which may include hospitalization and intensive monitoring. Monitor your dog for an anaphylactic reaction, and immediately rush them to your veterinarian if you notice a swollen muzzle, difficulty breathing, or lethargy post-bee sting.

Note that your dog treatment options for bee stings vary depending on their reaction severity and even what their veterinarian has available. In most cases, addressing swelling directly and monitoring is all that's required. However, your vet will determine if additional medication or other treatment is necessary. For some dogs, venom immunotherapy may also be an option.

What other insects sting dogs?

Bees are not the only insects capable of stinging your pup. Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can also attack and sting multiple times, as their stingers remain attached after stinging and they do not die. And it’s not just flying insects — fire ants and velvet ants have also been known to attack and sting pets.

Even when there’s no stinger to remove, you’ll still want to monitor your pet closely for any signs of severe reactions. All kinds of stings in dogs should be taken seriously — do not hesitate to get your pet medical attention if something seems off.

Tips for preventing dog bee stings

As with all pet accidents, prevention is always best. Inspect your home and yard for signs of stinging insects to prevent your pup from wandering into dangerous territory. Consider fencing off garden areas or bushes that may be frequented by bees, and keep a close eye on your pet at all times outdoors.

At the end of the day, you can’t always control whether or not your dog gets stung. If they stick their nose in the wrong spot, be prepared to react quickly to thwart a potentially dangerous anaphylactic reaction. And if you haven’t done so already, you’ll also want to protect your pet’s health in general with a good dog insurance plan.