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Understanding bee & wasp stings in dogs
Wasp and bee stings are common in dogs, particularly in spring, summer, and early autumn. Curious dogs often get stung while exploring, stepping on a bee, or snapping at a wasp.
In some cases, stings are just mildly irritating, but they can also trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. Multiple stings further increase the risk of serious complications.
Key facts to know about bee and wasp stings:
- Bees leave a stinger behind, while wasps do not.
- Multiple stings can be dangerous, especially in small dogs.
- Stings inside the mouth or throat are serious as swelling can block airways.
- If your dog gets stung, it’s important to know when home treatment is enough and when to seek emergency care.
When to seek veterinary care
If your dog has suffered a sting in the mouth, throat, or tongue or has been stung multiple times, you should contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Additionally, seek help if your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction, which may include:
- Significant facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Collapse, seizures, or disorientation
Timing is crucial as most allergic reactions occur within 10 minutes, but they can also be delayed for hours. In some cases, delayed anaphylaxis in dogs can occur much later, making it essential to stay vigilant. Learn more about delayed anaphylaxis in dogs here.
If your dog has experienced a severe reaction, it is important to monitor them for at least 72 hours.
Step-by-step: How to treat a Bee or wasp sting at home
✔ Restrain Your Dog Safely
Your dog may be in pain and react aggressively when touched. Have an assistant help if needed.
✔ Remove the Stinger (If a Bee Sting)
Use a credit card or similar object to gently scrape below the venom sac to prevent further venom release. Do NOT use tweezers or nails, as they can squeeze more venom into the wound. Wasps do not leave stingers behind, so this step only applies to bee stings.
✔ Neutralize the Venom
For bee stings (acidic): Apply bicarbonate of soda. For wasp stings (alkaline): Apply vinegar.
✔ Apply a Cold Compress
Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean tea towel or a bag of frozen vegetables for 10 minutes. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
✔ Monitor for Reactions
Check for swelling, hives, or signs of discomfort. Keep an eye out for delayed allergic reactions over the next few hours.
✔ Do Not Give Medications Without a Vet’s Advice
Only give antihistamines if specifically instructed by a vet. Some human medications can be toxic to dogs.
Special case: What if my dog eats a bee or wasp?
Dogs sometimes snap at flying insects and swallow them, leading to being stung by a bee or wasp inside the mouth or throat. This can be dangerous because:
- Severe swelling in the mouth, tongue, or throat can block breathing.
- Dogs may cough, gag, or struggle to swallow.
What to do: If your dog shows any swelling in the face or neck, seek urgent veterinary care. If no reaction occurs immediately, monitor closely for several hours for any delayed symptoms.
Preventing bee & wasp stings in dogs
Reduce exposure to stinging insects:
- Keep your dog away from flowering plants, beehives, and wasp nests.
- Be extra cautious when outdoors during peak sting season (spring to autumn).
Protect sensitive areas like paws:
- Dogs often step on bees or wasps, causing stings on the paw pads.
- Check for limping or excessive licking of a paw, as this can indicate a sting.
For dogs with a history of allergic reactions, talk to your vet about an emergency treatment plan.
Most bee and wasp stings are not serious but knowing how to treat them correctly and quickly can prevent complications. Always monitor your dog closely after a sting, and if in doubt, seek veterinary advice – especially if your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction.
By taking quick action and knowing when to seek emergency care, you can keep your dog safe and comfortable after a bee or wasp sting. If you have any concerns, contact your vet, or if out of hours, contact your nearest Vets Now emergency clinic.