Dog Ate a Bee: What to Do When Your Pet Ingests a Stinging Insect

If a dog ate a bee, it may seem like a minor incident, but it can lead to serious consequences. Dogs are naturally bizarre creatures and often explore their surroundings with their mouths and love to chase and snap at moving objects, which can result in them ingesting stinging insects.

However, if the dog is sensitive to bee venom, even a slight encounter could lead to serious consequences. Dog owners must be aware of the signs of a dog ingesting a bee and seek veterinary care immediately if they suspect their dog has an allergic reaction.

Since no one knows when our dog will return with a swollen face from chasing a bee, we have looked at the best veterinary sources for what to expect and what to do when your pet ingests a stinging insect. Using the advice of Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, DVM, on the effects of bee venom (called Hymenoptera stings) on dogs, let’s look at what to do if your dog ate a bee.

You can give your dog a small number of over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl. Still, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian first to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog’s size. We will discuss how to give your dog Benadryl for a bee sting below.

Dogs are curious creatures and can eat almost anything they come across, including bees. While some dogs may be lucky to get away with it, others may not. 

Firstly, it’s important to note that bees are venomous, and their stings can be painful and potentially life-threatening for dogs. When a dog eats a bee, the bee’s stinger can get lodged in the dog’s mouth, causing pain and swelling.

If the bee stings the dog in the throat, it can cause an allergic reaction, leading to difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or even death. However, studies suggest that massive envenomation could lead to death even when the victim is not allergic to the venom. 

This is why seeking veterinary attention immediately is crucial if your dog eats a bee and gets stung in the mouth or throat. Dog owners should keep an eye on their pets outside when bees are around, especially if they have been stung before and have had a bad reaction. This is because allergic reactions can always get worse and become steadily worse, especially if your dog loves to chase flying insects. Many flying insects can lead to medical problems for dogs, including mosquitoes that carry heartworm and mango flies.

Of course, whenever you deal with this kind of situation it’s vital to know if your dog is having a mild reaction or dying, and be ready to clear their airway if starts to close and they are choking.

Understanding the Situation

When dogs ingest a bee, they are unlikely to get sick as bees do not cause gastrointestinal upset and will just be digested like normal foods. However, bee stings are dangerous and can cause allergic reactions, especially when the dog had been stung before or was stung by multiple bees.

Dog’s Behavior After Ingesting A Bee

If your dog has ingested a bee, you may notice some changes in their behavior. They may start to paw at their mouth or face or even vomit or start to wheeze and gag.

It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog after they have ingested a bee. If they start to show signs of an allergic reaction, it is most likely the bee stung them, and you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Levels of Reactions After A Dog Eats And Gets Stung By A Bee

When a dog eats a bee, it is not uncommon for them to have some sort of reaction. The severity of the response can vary depending on the individual dog and the amount of venom they were exposed to. A dog can generally experience four reactions after eating a bee: delayed, mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild Reaction

A mild reaction is the most common type of reaction that a dog will experience. This type of reaction typically involves swelling and redness around the area where the bee stung the dog in the mouth.

•  The dog may also experience some pain or discomfort in the affected area.
•  In some cases, the dog may also experience some itching or scratching.

Moderate Reaction

A moderate reaction is a step up from a mild response and typically involves more severe symptoms. In addition to swelling in the neck or face and redness, the dog may experience 

• Difficulty breathing;
• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea; and
• The dog may also become lethargic or weak and have trouble standing or walking.

Severe Reaction

A severe reaction is the most serious type of reaction that a dog can experience after eating a bee. This type of reaction is rare but can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a severe reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing;
• Severe swelling;
• Fever;
• Rapid heartbeat; and
• Collapse.

If a dog experiences a severe reaction, it is essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. A study of 19 dogs that died from bee stings showed a possibility of kidney injury following a bee sting.

Symptoms and signs of whether it is a mild reaction, a moderate reaction, or a severe reaction can vary depending on the individual dog. It is important to monitor your dog closely after they have eaten a bee and seek veterinary attention if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Delayed Reaction

Sometimes, a dog may not experience symptoms immediately after eating a bee. Instead, they may experience a delayed reaction several hours later (or even up to 2 weeks later). This is very rare but it does happen. Symptoms of a delayed reaction can vary but may include 

• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Lethargy;
• Difficulty breathing; and
• Signs of distress such as whining, panting, or lip licking. 

 If a dog experiences a delayed response, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately.

My Dog Ate A Dead Bee: What To Do After A Dog Is Stung By A Bee?

If your dog has eaten a dead bee, you may wonder what to do next. Here is what you should do:

1. Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior

After your dog has eaten a dead bee, it should not be a concern as the bee cannot sting them inside. However, it’s important to keep an eye on their behavior. If your dog shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Additionally, stay calm to avoid confusing and distressing your dog since they can sense when we are stressed.

2. Removal of Bee Stinger

If a dog has eaten a bee, the first step is to check if the bee stinger is still in the mouth. If the stinger is still there, remove it immediately, as it can cause more pain and swelling.

According to experts, the stinger should be removed by scraping it off with a credit card or a thin table knife. Using a tweezer or a nail can squeeze the stinger, releasing more venom into the skin.

Note: Never use a tweezer or your fingers to try to remove the stinger! Squeezing it could inject more venom into your dog. Instead, gently examine the dog’s mouth to see if you can find the stinger, and use a butter knife to gently scrape the stinger away.

3. Soothing the Affected Area

After removing the stinger, the next step is to soothe the affected area. This is done by applying a cold compress or ice pack to the site for 10-15 minutes. This will help reduce swelling and pain.

You can also apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected area, making the pain tolerable. If the dog shows signs of distress like shaking, flattened ears, panting, or crying, a pain reliever like Benadryl can be given. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian before giving any medication to the dog.

Help For When Dogs Eat Bees: How To Administer Benadryl

If your dog gets stung by a bee and you decide to use Benadryl as a treatment, your dog may not want to eat it if they are having a reaction. So the best thing to do is either crush the pill, mix it in water, and use a syringe to inject it into your dog’s throat (but be careful they don’t choke!). 

Otherwise, place the Benadryl under their tongue and hold their mouth shut to allow it to dissolve under the tongue. But make sure your dog’s airways are open enough. 

• Dosage: The recommended dosage is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog’s weight, given two to three times a day.
• Example: For a 10-pound dog, the dosage would be 10 mg in the morning, 10 mg in the afternoon, and 10 mg in the evening.

Benadryl Dosages for Dogs (in mg) per Pound and Kilogram:

When to Contact a Vet About Your Dog Swallowing a Bee

While Benadryl can help alleviate mild allergic reactions to bee stings, it’s essential to recognize when your dog’s condition requires immediate veterinary attention:

1. Severe Allergic Reactions: If your dog experiences severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, excessive swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapsing, do not wait; get to the vet immediately.
2. Multiple Bee Stings: If your dog has been stung multiple times by bees, they may be at risk of a more severe reaction. Don’t delay in seeking professional veterinary care.
3. Allergic Reaction Progression: If the initial symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., localized swelling) worsen or spread rapidly, consult your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic.

Remember, always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog, including Benadryl, to ensure it’s the right choice and dosage for your pet’s specific condition. Your vet can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s health and needs.

Possible Treatments

If a dog does have an allergic reaction to a bee sting, the veterinarian may administer antihistamines to reduce swelling and inflammation. The vet may also give IV fluids, corticosteroids, and adrenaline depending on how severe your dog’s reaction is. The dog may need to be hospitalized for observation and treatment in severe cases.

If a dog does not have an allergic reaction, the veterinarian may still recommend monitoring the dog for any signs of discomfort or distress. They may also recommend administering a pain reliever like anti-inflammatory medication to help ease any pain or swelling. Research shows that a bee antivenom could prevent the death of envenomated patients, but sadly, bee anti-venom isn’t available yet for veterinary clinics.

Sometimes, the veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting to help remove the bee from the dog’s system. However, this should only be done under the supervision of a veterinarian, as inducing vomiting can be dangerous if done incorrectly.

Preventive Measures

Taking these preventive measures can help keep your dog safe and prevent them from eating bees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

It is common for dogs to ingest bees while playing or exploring outdoors accidentally. While most dogs experience mild symptoms such as swelling and discomfort, some may have severe allergic reactions requiring immediate medical attention.

Pet owners should monitor their dogs closely and seek veterinary care if they suspect their dog has ingested a bee or is experiencing unusual symptoms. It is important to keep dogs away from areas with high bee activity and supervise them outdoors to prevent accidental ingestion.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.