Encountering a bee sting is an experience many dog owners dread, yet it’s a common occurrence, especially during warmer months when pets spend more time outdoors. The consequences of a bee sting can range from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions, making it essential for dog owners to know how to respond effectively.
Drawing on the expertise of Dr. Mizael Machado da Costa, whose research provides valuable insights into managing bee stings in dogs, this article aims to guide you through the steps to take if your furry friend gets stung by a bee.
So, What to Do if Your Dog Gets Stung by a Bee?
If your dog is stung by a bee, calmly locate the sting and gently remove the stinger without squeezing it. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Watch for allergic reactions like difficulty breathing and consult your vet promptly. Home remedies can soothe minor reactions, but vet advice is crucial for safety.
- Stay Calm – Your dog will likely be in pain and could be scared. Staying calm can help soothe them and make it easier to address the sting.
- Identify the Sting Site – Try to locate where your dog was stung. Common areas include the paws, face, and inside the mouth.
- Remove the Stinger Quickly – If the stinger is still in your dog’s skin, gently scrape it out with a credit card or your fingernail. Avoid using tweezers, as squeezing can release more venom.
- Apply a Cold Compress – Use a cold pack or a cloth soaked in cold water to the sting area to reduce swelling and soothe the pain.
- Monitor for Allergic Reactions – Watch your dog closely for signs of an allergic reaction, such as excessive swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of anaphylaxis. Symptoms can develop rapidly and require immediate veterinary attention.
- Consult Your Veterinarian – Even if your dog seems to be handling the sting well, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet. They can provide advice specific to your dog’s situation and recommend whether any further treatment is needed.
- Home Remedies – For mild reactions, some home remedies can provide relief. A paste made from baking soda and water can neutralize bee venom and reduce itching. However, always consult your veterinarian before trying home treatments, especially if your dog has a history of allergic reactions.
- Prevention – After treating the bee sting, consider ways to minimize the risk of future stings, such as supervising your dog closely in areas where bees are active and teaching them to avoid buzzing insects.
Dr. Machado da Costa’s research highlights the importance of prompt and appropriate responses to bee stings in dogs, emphasizing that quick action and awareness of potential allergic reactions are crucial for ensuring the well-being of our canine companions.
How to Remove a Bee Stinger from a Dog
Removing a bee stinger from your dog promptly is crucial to prevent further venom release. Do not use tweezers or pinch the stinger, as this can inject more venom. Instead, gently scrape the skin’s surface with the edge of a credit card or a fingernail to flick the stinger out. Acting quickly can reduce the amount of venom absorbed and minimize swelling and pain.
Dog Bee Sting recovery time – Will my dog be okay after a bee sting?
In most dogs that are not allergic to a bee’s sting, the red bump will disappear in an hour, but it may form a pimple that lasts for up to three weeks. This means most dogs will be okay after a bee sting, but it is vital to know the symptoms of a more severe allergic reaction, when acting fast may save your dog’s life. We discuss this below.
Since bee stings can be itchy, try to keep your dog from scratching or nibbling. Breaking the skin around a bee sting can cause an infection like a hot spot to develop.
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Stung By A Bee – Signs & Symptoms
Dogs can exhibit four levels of responses to bee stings; mild, regional, severe, delayed. In the case of a severe reaction, a dog needs to see the vet immediately. Delayed reactions are very rare, but they can happen up to two weeks after the sting, so it’s vital to monitor your dog for long after the sting takes place.
Keep in mind that certain breeds such as Bull Terriers, Boxers, and Staffordshire Terriers are more prone to severe reactions to bee stings; hence pet owners of these breeds should take extra caution.
Symptoms of A mild Bee Sting Reaction In Dogs
The first response is a mild local reaction which is a simple reaction and not allergic. Signs that may be seen in this type of reaction.include –
- mild distress such as whining, panting, or lip licking,
- signs of pain or distress, including yelping or limping
- a hor or raise red bump, called a wheal and flare
- nibbling or pawing at a particular area, a pustule, and itchiness.
For reference here is an image of weal and flares that erupt from a very minor reaction to a bee sting. So long as the red bump is quite small, and you safely remove the stinger, it should not be much of a problem.
Signs of A moderate reaction In Dogs To Being Stung By Bee
The second response is a regional reaction, which is a mild allergic response that requires close monitoring. Signs of this reaction include –
- a visibly distressed dog such as crying, rapid panting or restlessness,
- swelling and heat, (like a swollen paw or swollen face if your dog ate a bee)
- redness, bumps, or hives
- hardness around the sting site,
- and extreme itchiness.
The picture below shows what hives look like in a dog stung by a bee –
Signs of a severe allergic reaction in dogs to a bee sting
The third response is a severe allergic reaction, and the following are the signs that your dog requires immediate veterinary attention –
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- hives,
- coughing or wheezing,
- runny discharge from the nose and eyes,
- extremely swollen head or muzzle or other body part,
- excessive drooling,
- blue gums and tongue,
- excessive itching,
- wheals, or swelling red skin.
Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock in Dogs from Bee Stings
Anaphylactic shock is a severe, sudden allergic reaction that can follow a bee sting. Symptoms can include sudden weakness, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and collapse. This condition requires immediate veterinary intervention to treat the reaction and support your dog’s breathing and heart function. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has been stung by a bee, seek emergency veterinary care without delay
Delayed anaphylactic shock in dogs
In rare cases, the fourth type of allergic reaction can occur up to two weeks after the sting, and it is called delayed anaphylactic shock. The symptoms will look much like a severe allergic reaction, but the main difference is that it happens long after the actual sting.
Knowing how to identify a bee sting is crucial when dealing with dogs. When a dog swallows a bee, while chasing it, recognizing the sting will be easy. You will often see a swollen face from a bee sting that looks like this –
If you are googling “my dog got stung by a bee in the face,” and you see the kind of swelling in these images, you need to go to a vet in case the swelling causes an obstruction in their throat and interferes with their breathing.
Should I take my dog to the vet for a bee sting?
If your dog shows a mild or regional reaction to the bee sting, you may only need to monitor your dog. If there is swelling around the face and throat, it is better to go the vet immediately as the swelling could obstruct the airways and interfere with breathing.
If you see symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) then time is of the essence. The faster your dog can get to the vet, the more likely they are to survive.
Treatment For Dog Bee Stings
If your dog does need to go to the vet, your vet will likely give a mix of pain meds and antihistamines. If the reaction is severe, they may need to put your dog on a drip, provide corticosteroids and even monitor your dog overnight.
Home Remedies for Dog Bee Stings
For mild bee stings, several home remedies can provide relief to your dog. A paste made from baking soda and water can help neutralize the bee venom and reduce itching when applied to the sting site. Ice packs or cold compresses can also alleviate swelling and discomfort.
While Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is commonly used to ease allergic reactions, dosages for dogs vary, so it’s essential to consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to ensure it’s safe for your dog’s specific condition and weight.
Can Bee Stings Kill Dogs?
While most bee stings result in minor reactions, severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening, especially if not treated promptly. The risk of a bee sting being fatal increases if the dog is stung multiple times, has a known severe allergy to bee stings, or if the sting occurs in the mouth or throat, which can cause swelling that obstructs breathing.
How long after a bee sting will a dog have a reaction?
Most dogs will have an immediate reaction, although some may be delayed by up to 30 mins. IN extremely rare cases, dogs can go into delayed anaphylaxis up to two weeks after the sting.
What you need to know about bee stings in dogs
- Reactions to sting can get worse over time. A mild reaction to one sting may become a severe reaction to another sting a few months or even years later.
- Multiple stings are more dangerous, with around 20 stings often being fatal.
- Dogs that get immediate medical treatment for a severe reaction have 85% survival rate.
Final Thoughts
Most of the time when a dog gets stung by a bee, they’ll be fine. But it is essential to monitor them and be alert for signs of a severe reaction. Getting to a vet fast and knowing what to do can be a lifesaver.
References
- Oliveira, E.C., Pedroso, P.M., Meirelles, A.E., Pescador, C.A., Gouvêa, A.S. and Driemeier, D., 2007. Pathological findings in dogs after multiple Africanized bee stings. Toxicon, 49(8), pp.1214-1218.
- Buckley, G.J., Corrie, C., Bandt, C. and Schaer, M., 2017. Kidney injury in a dog following bee sting-associated anaphylaxis. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 58(3), p.265.
- Fitzgerald, K.T. and Flood, A.A., 2006. Hymenoptera stings. Clinical techniques in small animal practice, 21(4), pp.194-204.
- Karpiński, M.I.R.O.S.Ł.A.W., Goleman, M.A.Ł.G.O.R.Z.A.T.A., Czyżowski, P.I.O.T.R., Tajchman, K.A.T.A.R.Z.Y.N.A., Wojtaś, J.U.S.T.Y.N.A., Różaniecka, K.R.Y.S.T.Y.N.A. and Drozd, L., 2016. Clinical and behavioral aspects of bee stings in domestic dog.
- Thomas, E., Mandell, D.C. and Waddell, L.S., 2013. Survival after anaphylaxis induced by a bumblebee sting in a dog. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 49(3), pp.210-215.
Meet Your Experts
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.