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Your dog might be playing outdoors, having a wonderful time, when they suddenly yelp in pain. The culprit could be a pesky insect like a bee or a wasp, which decided to sting your beloved pet.
Bee and wasp stings can be painful and frightening for a dog, even if they were chasing the insect just a few minutes before. A single bee sting will produce pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation. Here’s what to do if your dog is stung by a bee or wasp.
How to Deal With Your Dog’s Bee or Wasp Sting
If your dog is stung, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the stinger with tweezers.
- Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the site of the sting.
- Apply an ice pack to relieve swelling and pain.
- Ask your vet about giving your dog a dose of oral antihistamine.
- Give your dog fresh water and watch them carefully.
Allergic reactions usually occur within 20 minutes, but they can be delayed for hours. If a honeybee is the culprit and leaves behind a stinger, you will need to take it out. Don’t pinch and pull at it. Instead, you can gently scrape out the stinger by placing a credit card on your dog’s skin and sliding it one way to ease out the stinger.
What if the Dog is Stung on the Head, Mouth, or Nose?
If the sting is on the nose, mouth, or around the head, observe your dog for several hours to make sure that any swelling does not interfere with breathing or swallowing. If the swelling increases dramatically after a few minutes after the sting, see a veterinarian immediately.
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If your dog disturbs a hive, call them to you and put distance between your dog and the swarm immediately. Then, take your dog to the closest veterinarian. Treatment for massive amounts of stings needs to occur quickly to prevent shock and circulatory collapse and to minimize possible damage to organ systems.
Anaphylactic Bee Reactions in Dogs
Have you ever heard of someone having toinject themselves after being stung by a bee? These are anaphylactic reactions, which are the scariest and most lethal allergic reactions we see.
In dogs, we see major reactions like this if they are bitten by an insect (bee or wasp) or if they have an injection of medication (like a vaccine) they’re allergic to. Antibodies produced by the host react to the substance, dropping blood pressure and sending the body into shock.
If a dog has had a past incident and survived, the owner may carry an epipen, but sometimes the first occurrence can lead to death. Fortunately, these reactions are very rare in dogs.
If you notice any unusual changes or symptoms in your dog (such as struggling to breathe, lethargy, collapsing, coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea), call your vet right away. Also contact your vet immediately if your dog is allergic to bees and gets stung.
FAQs
In most cases, a bee or wasp sting will cause some mild pain and irritation but will not need any vet treatment. Occasionally, bee and wasp stings can be more serious, so it's better to get your dog to leave bees and wasps alone.
Should I take my dog to the vet if he gets stung by a wasp? ›
In most cases, a bee or wasp sting will cause some mild pain and irritation but will not need any vet treatment. Occasionally, bee and wasp stings can be more serious, so it's better to get your dog to leave bees and wasps alone.
What is the first aid for wasp stings in dogs? ›
Luckily, other flying insects (wasps, hornets) do not leave a stinger behind. Soothe the bite site. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting site. If your dog has multiple stings or bites, a soothing oatmeal bath is the way to go.
Should I give my dog Benadryl after a wasp sting? ›
In addition to the hives, some patients will develop facial swelling around the eyes and lips. If your pet develops these signs, contact us as quickly as possible. Your pet should also be dosed with oral Benadryl as soon as the symptoms are identified.
Will my dog be okay after a wasp sting? ›
Some dogs enjoy chasing flying insects and if they catch a bee or wasp, they can get stung on the face or in the mouth. Single stings are usually painful but not life-threatening unless they cause swelling in the mouth or throat. However, there can be serious consequences if your dog or puppy is stung multiple times.
Should I give my dog Benadryl for a bee sting? ›
Yes. Mild reactions can be treated at home. Remove the stinger, apply a paste of baking soda to the site, apply a cold compress for 10 minutes to the location, and give Benadryl® (1 mg/lb). If swelling worsens or symptoms progress, seek veterinary care immediately.
How quickly do dogs react to wasp stings? ›
Some dogs can be more sensitive to wasp or bee stings and might have an allergic reaction. This can happen quickly (i.e. within 10 minutes) or may be delayed by a few hours. In very rare cases this can be delayed by a day or so.
How long after a bee sting will a dog have a reaction? ›
Symptoms typically occur within 30-60 minutes after the sting, however in rare situations they can occur hours afterwards, so it's important to keep a close eye on your dog all day. Some swelling and discomfort is normal, and does not necessarily indicate an allergic reaction.
How much Benadryl should I give my dog for a wasp sting? ›
Benadryl is a safe and effective antihistamine for bee stings. Proper dosing for dogs is 1 mg per pound. Most Benadryl comes in 25 mg tablets, which is easier to dose for larger dogs but for small dogs, try children's Benadryl in a 12.5 mg dose (the liquid option makes it easy!).
How long will a dog limp after a bee sting? ›
A dog with a simple bee sting will probably only limp for thirty minutes at most. After that, they'll act like nothing ever happened. If your dog limps for an hour or more, it could be a sign that the condition is long-lasting and much more severe.
In most cases if a dog is stung by a bee or wasp, they will experience mild local irritation which should subside within a few hours. However, it can be more serious if dogs receive multiple stings, or if they occur inside the mouth, nose or other sensitive tissues.
How do you comfort a dog after a bee sting? ›
A paste of 3:1 baking soda and water can also be helpful to sooth the sting site. Apply every couple of hours until the swelling subsides. Use caution as baking soda can cause stomach upset in dogs if ingested. An oatmeal bath may be beneficial if your pup has multiple stings.
What if I can't find the stinger on my dog? ›
If your dog has been stung by a bee and you can't find the stinger, the stinger may have already fallen out or be located in an area that is difficult to see. Once you get to the vet, inform them of the possible stinger location so they can do a closer inspection.
How do you treat a bee sting on a dog at home? ›
Treating Your Dog's Bee Sting at Home
- Remove the stinger. If you can find it, removing the stinger is your first step. ...
- Clean the area. Give the area a good once-over with mild soap and water.
- Calm the area. ...
- Follow your vet's recommendation. ...
- Don't let your dog scratch or lick the sting.
If your dog is showing signs of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis from a bee sting, take them straight to the vet. While seeking veterinary care you can also follow these steps to help your dog: Do your best to keep your animal calm on the trip to the vet. Try to stop them licking/scratching at the site.
Will a bee sting on a dog go away on its own? ›
Though your dog might appear distressed when they've been stung, this pain should go away after a short period of time. In some cases, however, your dog may be allergic to the poison that is injected by the bee or wasp sting. If not treated this could result in a severe reaction or even death.
