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Questions
- What happens if a dog gets stung by a bee?
- How to treat a wasp sting on a dog?
- How to prevent wasp stings in dogs
- Canine bee sting vs wasp sting
Summer is a great time of year for dog parents to get out and about with their canine companions. Whether you’re lounging in the garden, having a barbecue, or taking them on a brand-new adventure somewhere exciting, there’s always something outdoor-related you can both do together. We tend to forget about the existence of bees and wasps all winter until it starts to heat up and the memories of the irritating buzzing flood back to you. Most of the time they’re nothing more than a mild hazard, getting into your sweet drinks and trying to land in your ice cream!
However, bees and wasps pose a threat to our beloved pets too and they can be just as at risk of getting stung as we are. If anything, our four-legged friends don’t understand that they’re a threat and can put themselves in some poorly thought-out positions when they decide to start chasing them. We’ve collected all the information you need on dog wasp stings and dog bee stings, so you know the risks and how best to deal with them.
What happens if a dog gets stung by a bee?
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Bee and wasp stings for our pets are often very similar to us getting stung. They’re not inherently a big threat and will usually only cause some mild pain and discomfort for your beloved pet if they’re not allergic. Canine bee stings can become more of a risk depending on where your pup is stung, how many times and their individual reaction.
How to tell if dog stung by bee: symptoms and signs
The symptoms will differ depending on where your four-legged friend has been stung. If they’ve been stung on the paw they might be limping, or if they’re stung in their mouth they will likely be fussing with their mouth a lot. Some dogs stung by bees experience symptoms such as:
● A loud yelp
● Whining
● Panting
● Retching
● Licking their lips a lot
● Drooling
● Pawing at their face
● Licking their feet
● Limping
What does a wasp sting look like on a dog?
Typically, the location your dog gets swung may appear red, swollen and inflamed, and the skin is usually tender. The actual stinger itself isn’t typically visible as it’s below the skin surface, but the brown sac may be visible at the other end.
Can a wasp sting harm a dog?
Some dogs can be sensitive to bee and wasp stings, and it can trigger an allergic reaction. If this occurs, then the risk becomes greater and the need for medical attention becomes more likely. Likewise, if they get stung multiple times it’s going to pose a higher threat. If your pup is trying to chase bees and wasps and snap at them, there’s also the added threat of being stung in their mouth or throat with can make it difficult to breathe.
Bee and wasp stings can range from minor annoyances to some quite major emergencies which could mean you have to rush your pup to the vet.
Can dogs have allergic reactions to wasp or bee stings?
A wasp sting or bee sting dog parents may worry over is one that invokes an allergic reaction. You may not be aware of your dog being sensitive to bee stings, especially if they’ve never been stung before, but dogs can have an allergy to them. When a dog has an allergy to bee or wasp stings, you may see the evidence of it instantly or there might be several hours of delay so you don’t notice it initially.
You could just notice that the area of the sting is much more sensitive, and the usual symptoms of a sting are exaggerated. If you suspect your dog is allergic to a bee or wasp sting they’ve received, you should seek veterinary care right away.
Dog wasp sting or dog bee sting recovery time
A bee or wasp sting may take one to two hours for the initial pain to subside. Your pup might be very unsettled during this time making it a good time to apply ice to numb the area and help keep them calm. The swelling can continue to get worse for up to 48 hours and it can remain red for up to three days after the initial sting. All symptoms will reduce and resolve between five and ten days.
How to treat a wasp sting on a dog?
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If you suspect your pup has been stung, you should check them over right away to make sure there is no stinger left in the site. If there is, carefully remove the sting to prevent it from getting worse as it can get infected and very sore if the stinger stays stuck under the skin.
Most bee and wasp stings will be angry and painful for just a short period so during this time you should try to keep the area cool to stop it getting too irritated. A cool pack will reduce swelling and numb some of the discomfort. You can use a clean tea towel or cloth soaked under cold water to keep the site from getting too hot and sore.
The body’s response to pain is usually to get quite agitated and hot so giving them a cooling mat to keep their temperature down can help a lot. One of the most important things to do is to not panic. Usually, once you get them comfortable and remove the sting, they’ll start to relax as the shock wears off.
Stings inside or around their mouth
A dog stung by bee in mouth is a much more difficult area to reach. It can be a lot harder to try and remove the sting or apply any cooling techniques. You should offer plenty of water and keep a close eye on them to make sure they can still breathe and swallow without any issues. If your pup catches a bee or wasp in its mouth, they’re also more likely to suffer multiple stings (depending on the type) so it’s vital to observe them closely.
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If your dog seems to be struggling, it could mean they’re having an allergic reaction. Symptoms you should be watching for include:
● Drooling
● Swelling around the mouth
● Fitting
● Collapsing
● Weakness and lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms when your pup has been stung in the mouth you should contact your vet straight away.
Stings to their paw
If your canine companion is stung in the paw, you might notice that they’ve developed a limp and will be fussing at their paw a lot. In these situations, try to encourage them to settle down and take the weight off their paw. A wasp sting on dog paws is a more accessible area that allows you to see if the sting remains and then hopefully remove it. If they let you, applying an icepack to their paw can help with any soreness.
What can you give to your dog for a wasp sting?
It’s important to clean the area where your pooch has been stung, as that will help keep infection at bay. Ease the swelling with a cooling cloth, or covered ice, which will also sooth the site of the sting. If you’re concerned, it’s best practice to speak to your local vet about dog bee sting treatments or medication and any other next steps.
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Can you give dog antihistamines for wasp stings?
Antihistamines for wasp sting or bee stings can be very helpful and can reduce reactions like swelling. It’s important not to give your pup any old antihistamine as some made for humans contain ingredients that are dangerous to give to your dog. You should only ever give your pooch antihistamines under the advice of your vet. There are specific brands like Piriton that are often dog safe, but you’ll still need your vet to give you the correct dose based on the size and weight of your dog.
When to seek veterinary care for a dog bee sting?
If your beloved pet suffers from a bee sting, there’s no need to rush and call your vet right away. Most stings will only cause some minor discomfort and swelling and within a week your poorly pup will be feeling right as rain again. You’ll only need to contact your vet if the swelling doesn’t go down, if they’ve had multiple stings at once or if you’re worried they may be having an allergic reaction to the sting. Find your nearest Jollyes Community Pet Clinic.
How to prevent wasp stings in dogs
Whilst the presence of bees and wasps isn’t possible to avoid, there’s a few things you can do to lower the chances of your canine companion being stung! From pet-safe insect repellents and clothing to keeping your pooch on a leash during outdoor adventures when pesky critters seem to be flying around! If you’re worried about your dog stung by wasps, always speak to your local veterinarian.
Canine bee sting vs wasp sting
The main difference between a bee sting and a wasp sting on dogs is to do with the stinger. The bee stinger detaches itself, whilst the wasp’s stinger remains in place which allows the wasp to inflict multiple stings. The poison released by both stingers is different, but has similar effects. The main fear of a wasp sting dog parents will note is the worry of increased pain due to multiple stings.
Hopefully you now have a broader understanding of how bee and wasp stings can affect your dog, and how to react in the situation it happens! It’s impossible to completely prevent a sting happening – your furry friends love to explore the outdoors so it’s likely they may spot a wasp or buzzy bee, but now you know what to do if the encounter borders on the risky.
For everything you need to keep your pooch comfortable and all your other doggy essentials, take a look at our wide selection of canine classics.