Dogs can be naturally curious and prey-driven, which means occasionally they may run afoul of a fellow creature. When the creature is a bee, the result can be a painful, frightening sting.
The good news is that, more often than not, a single bee stings is not an emergency. Unless your dog has an allergic reaction, being stung by a bee is a painful nuisance, but one that can be alleviated with at-home care. Here’s what you can do to provide some relief at home, and how to know when you should take your dog to the vet.
What kind of bee stung your dog?
When dogs get stung, it’s usually because they tried to snap at or chase a bee, or stumbled upon a sweet-smelling hive. Typical honeybees (western or European honeybees), for instance, tend to sting only when provoked. But some bees are more combative than others. Africanized honeybees (a.k.a. “killer bees”) are aggressive when protecting their hive and may swarm your dog and sting as a group. Similarly, wasps and hornets are more aggressive than bees and may sting multiple times. If a dog disturbs a wasp nest, you could be dealing with an emergency: the situation can prove fatal if there are high levels of venom in a dog’s bloodstream.
How do I know whether my dog has a bee sting?
Of course, if you notice a bee present and your dog yelps, it’s a safe bet they’ve been stung. Whether or not you see the bee, your dog may exhibit other signs a sting may have occurred, such as whimpering, limping, or pawing at their face.
Since dogs often get stung by putting their snout where it doesn’t belong, the muzzle or nose area is a common site for stings. You might see immediate swelling there, but if your dog snapped at a bee, you might also discover a sting in the ears or mouth.
If your dog has been stung in an especially furry area, you might not be able to locate the stinger, or even notice that your dog has been stung.
What to look for when you believe your dog has been stung
Observe your dog after a sting occurs. Some dogs may have a mild reaction to a sting, such as the area being warm to the touch, swollen, or itchy, and they will likely be fine without a trip to the vet. More serious symptoms, however, may warrant medical attention. A moderate reaction might involve more swelling, lethargy, or loss of appetite; this requires a prompt call to the vet, as well as monitoring for any dramatic changes. Note that location matters: bee stings close to the eyes, in the ears or mouth, on the nose, or near the rectum, can be potentially worrisome. Call your vet, or take your dog to the vet, just to be safe.
More severe allergic reactions tend to occur within the first 20 minutes of being stung. An allergic reaction could trigger anaphylaxis, which may cause your dog to experience difficulty breathing, which is a life-threatening emergency, and should be treated as such. Head to your vet or an urgent care vet clinic if you observe signs of a severe reaction to a bee sting—or if your dog has multiple stings—as some of these may indicate anaphylactic shock. These signs include:
- Trouble breathing, possibly caused by swelling of the airway
- Swelling in the head and neck, or swollen throat, and difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Inability to walk, or difficulty walking
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhea
How to treat your dog after a bee sting
If your dog has a mild reaction to a bee sting, you can treat it at home; and even for a moderate reaction, you might just need to call the vet for some guidance and then monitor your dog closely. Here are some steps you can take for treatment at home:
- Stingers continue to release venom as long as they remain in your dog. If you can, carefully remove the stinger by scraping it with a plastic card, like a credit card, in the direction of their fur. (Be careful with, or avoid, tweezers, which can make things worse by pushing extra venom into the sting.)
- Apply an ice pack to the affected area to relieve pain, swelling, and discomfort
- If you talk with your vet, ask whether an oral antihistamine might be a good idea
- Keep your dog from scratching the affected area
- Give your dog fresh water
- Watch your dog for any changes in behavior, or to see if the swelling spreads
Can bee stings be prevented or avoided?
Sadly, if you’re spending time outside with your dog, it’s difficult to prevent bee stings. But there are some common sense steps you can take to minimize the chances of their occurrence. It’s all about practicing bee safety. That means:
- Wear light-colored clothing if you’re taking your dog out for a hike. Bees may interpret darker colors as threatening.
- If you’re out for a park or trail walk, keep your dog on a leash.
- Carry a natural repellent while you’re out and about with your dog: make a concoction of one cup of white distilled vinegar to two gallons of water and spray some on your dog’s fur. Bees may dislike the sour scent. (Never use bug sprays intended for humans on your dog; even human-safe D.I.Y. repellents, like those that include citronella, can be toxic to dogs.)
- Keep your grass mowed in the summertime.
- Call a pest control service to relocate any bee hives, wasp nests, or hornet nests.
Let’s face it: stings can happen. Knowing how to respond in this situation, and how to provide relief as soon as possible, will help you stay calm if it does occur. Never give your dog medication before consulting with your vet. If you feel unsure of whether a bee sting is moderate or severe, err on the side of caution and go see a vet right away.
