My Dog Got Stung by a Bee – What Should I Do?

Bee stings are not just a concern for humans—dogs can experience pain and discomfort from them, too. If your dog got stung by a bee, you may notice them acting differently, scratching, or licking the sting site. Understanding how to care for your dog in this situation is important, especially if it’s their first encounter with a bee sting. This blog will guide you through what to do if your dog gets stung by a bee, how to spot signs of a severe reaction, and when to reach out for professional help. If you’re in doubt or your dog shows severe symptoms, call Carey Animal Hospital in Cincinnati, OH at (513) 531-7117 or schedule an appointment.

How to Deal With Your Dog’s Bee Sting

When your dog gets stung by a bee, the first thing to do is stay calm. Your dog might be frightened or in pain, and they’ll pick up on your stress. Approach your dog gently and inspect the area where they were stung. Bees leave behind their stinger, so if you see it, use a flat object like a credit card to scrape it out. Avoid using tweezers, as squeezing the stinger can release more venom into your dog’s skin.

Once the stinger is out, you might notice swelling or redness at the site. This is a typical reaction, but it’s still a good idea to monitor your dog for any changes. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and soothe the area. You can wrap some ice in a cloth and hold it against the sting site for a few minutes at a time.

If your dog is licking or scratching at the sting site, you might need to distract them to prevent irritation. Offer them a toy or take them for a short walk. Keep an eye on the sting area for the next few hours to make sure the swelling doesn’t get worse. In most cases, the swelling should go down within a day or two. If it doesn’t, or if your dog seems uncomfortable, contact Carey Animal Hospital for advice.

What if the Dog is Stung on the Head, Mouth, or Nose?

Bee stings on the head, mouth, or nose can be more serious for dogs because these areas are more sensitive and can swell quickly. If your dog got stung on the face, keep a close watch on them, as swelling around the mouth or throat could make it difficult for them to breathe.

In these cases, it’s especially important to remove the stinger right away to reduce the amount of venom entering your dog’s system. After removing the stinger, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize swelling. Try to keep your dog calm and avoid any activities that could increase blood flow to the area, which might worsen the swelling.

If you notice that your dog’s breathing seems labored or they start to paw at their face excessively, it’s time to call Carey Animal Hospital. Difficulty breathing can be a sign that your dog is having a severe reaction to the sting, and they likely need immediate veterinary attention.

Anaphylactic Bee Sting Reactions in Dogs

While most bee stings cause only mild reactions, some dogs can have a more serious allergic response known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions are rare but can be life-threatening, so it helps to know the signs. Symptoms of anaphylaxis in dogs include:

  • Sudden vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Pale gums
  • Rapid breathing
  • Swelling that spreads quickly beyond the sting site

If your dog shows any of these symptoms after being stung by a bee, it’s an emergency. You’ll need to get your dog to Carey Animal Hospital or the nearest emergency vet immediately. Anaphylaxis can progress quickly, and prompt veterinary care is essential to manage the reaction.

To reduce the risk of future anaphylactic reactions, talk to your vet about keeping an emergency treatment on hand, especially if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Your vet might recommend an antihistamine or other medication that you can give your dog in case of a sting.

Preventing Future Bee Stings

Keep Your Dog Away from Active Bee Areas

Preventing future bee stings involves being aware of your surroundings and taking steps to minimize your dog’s exposure to bees. If you know that your dog likes to chase insects or investigate flowers, try to keep them away from areas where bees are active. Avoid letting your dog play near flowering plants, especially during peak bee activity in the late morning and early afternoon.

Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Bees

You can also make your yard less attractive to bees. Remove flowering plants and keep your lawn trimmed. If you enjoy gardening, consider choosing plants that are less likely to attract bees. Keeping a close eye on your dog when they’re outside and staying aware of the potential for bees can help prevent future stings.

When to Call Your Vet About a Bee Sting

Most bee stings in dogs are manageable at home, but it’s important to know when to reach out for professional help. If your dog got stung by a bee and you’re noticing any of the following, it’s time to call your vet:

  • The swelling doesn’t go down after 24 hours
  • Your dog is showing signs of a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing or widespread swelling
  • The sting is on your dog’s head, mouth, or nose, and the swelling is significant
  • Your dog is in pain or discomfort, even after taking steps to relieve the symptoms

Carey Animal Hospital is here to help you and your dog. If you’re ever unsure about what to do after your dog got stung by a bee, give us a call at (513) 531-7117 or schedule an appointment. We can assess your dog’s condition and provide the care they need to recover.

Bee stings can be a little scary for both you and your dog, but with the right care and attention, most dogs recover quickly. Being prepared and knowing when to seek help can make all the difference in keeping your dog comfortable and safe.