When should I take my dog to the vet for a bee sting?

Can bee or wasp stings be dangerous to dogs?

Wasp and bee stings are most common in spring, summer and early autumn months. Dogs are typically stung on their paws or around the face and usually only develop minor pain, irritation or swelling. Most stings can be managed at home, but some cases can be more serious. Stings inside the mouth or throat, being stung lots of times and allergic reactions are all emergencies and require urgent veterinary treatment.

What are the effects of being stung?

Being stung by a bee or wasp could cause your dog to show any of the following common signs:

• Whining
• Agitation
• Swelling
• Lumpy looking skin
• Biting, nibbling or pawing at the place stung
• Drooling

Stings to the paw

Dogs are often stung on the paws after treading on a bee or a wasp, or when trying to bat at these flying insects. If they are stung on the pads of the paw it might be difficult for you to see or remove the sting. Dogs stung on the paw may start limping or may chew, lick or bite at the sting.

Stings inside the mouth

Some dogs may be stung on the tongue or inside the mouth or throat, especially after trying to eat a bee or a wasp. Stings to this area can cause the throat to swell and may block your dog’s airway, making it difficult for them to breathe.

If your dog is stung in the mouth or throat, it’s important that you speak to your vet urgently.

Can dogs have allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings?

Some dogs can be more sensitive to wasp or bee stings and might have an allergic reaction. This can happen quickly (i.e. within 10 minutes) or may be delayed by a few hours. In very rare cases this can be delayed by a day or so.

Signs of an allergic reaction can include:

• being sick or having diarrhoea
• a large amount of swelling around the affected area
• swelling around the mouth and neck (even if not stung there)
• weakness or collapse
• disorientation
• wheezing and breathing problems

If your dog shows any signs of an allergic reaction, it’s important you speak to your vet urgently.

When should I contact my vet?

You should contact your vet for urgent advice if:

• you think your dog is having an allergic reaction
• your dog has been stung in the mouth
• they have been stung multiple times
• the swelling has lasted for several days
• you are concerned about your dog’s health

What should I do if my dog is stung?

For most dogs that are stung by a bee or a wasp, the effects are usually mild enough for you to care for them at home. Follow our advice below to help your dog, but always contact your vet if urgent treatment is required (see “When should I contact my vet?”).

How to remove a bee sting

Unlike wasps, bees tend to leave their sting behind lodged in the skin and it continues to pump venom into their victim. If you’re not sure if your dog has been stung by a bee or wasp then make sure you look for a sting. If you find a sting left in your dog then it’s important that you take it out. You can do this by scraping the sting away from the skin, just below the venom sac, using something thin and flat, such as a credit card or a long fingernail.

Don’t try to pinch the sting out with your fingers, or with tweezers, as this can squeeze more of the poison into your dog’s body causing more pain and a larger reaction.

Wash the area

Gently clean the area that’s been stung using soap and cool water. This can help prevent infections and can reduce the risk of further problems. It’s likely that this area is going to be particularly sensitive and painful, so make sure you don’t scrub the area hard.

Ease the swelling

Put a clean tea towel under the cold tap, squeeze it out and then hold it against the affected area. This should help to reduce the swelling and will also feel soothing to your dog.

Applying ice will also help, but don’t put ice directly on to your dog’s skin. Place a thin piece of cloth on the skin first and place ice on top of that, or wrap some ice cubes in a tea towel. If you don’t have any ice cubes, then a bag of frozen peas could be used instead. Don’t leave the ice on for too long, just five to ten minutes is long enough.

Can I give my dog antihistamines?

Some over the counter human antihistamines can be given to some dogs, but if you give the wrong drug, or the wrong amount for the size and weight of your dog, it could be dangerous to them.

Only ever give your dog an antihistamine if your vet has told you do so and has told you which antihistamine to give. Only ever give the amount that they suggest is safe.

Keep your dog calm

If your dog has been stung, they will most likely feel agitated and upset by the painful sting. To help them, keep yourself calm, and try to distract them with lots of positive attention.

Keep an eye on your dog

After your dog has been stung, it’s important that you keep a close eye on them for a few hours just in case they show any signs of an anaphylactic reaction. In very rare cases, allergic reactions can be delayed, so if your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction with 24 hours of being stung it’s still just as important to contact your vet.

If you're worried about your dog's health, always contact your vet immediately!

We are not a veterinary organisation and so we can't give veterinary advice. If you're worried about any of the issues raised in this article, please contact your local vet practice for further information.

If you're looking for a vet practice near you, visit the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Find a Vet web page.

Spring is a fantastic time of year to create some precious memories with your pet! As the weather warms up and flowers are blooming, it’s time to shake off the winter blues and get outdoors. We’ve put together some of our top tips for you and your pet to enjoy this beautiful time of year:

With springtime upon us, we can expect to see more blossoming trees and flowers popping up all over the garden – and with that comes bees. Your dog or cat might think a bee is a harmless new friend, providing a bit of excitement and fun with a game of chase! Often this can result in your pet receiving a bee sting to the face, mouth, or paws.

Has my pet been stung?

It will be very clear almost immediately if your pet has been stung. Keep an eye out for:

• A sudden or continuing cry from your pet, indicating pain and discomfort
• Your pet running around in circles or otherwise erratically
• Licking, chewing, or pawing the same spot repeatedly
• Unusual swelling
• Excessive drooling
• Pale gums in some extreme cases, pets can experience severe reactions and experience vomiting, collapse, hives, profound swelling, and difficulty breathing. If your pet has been stung by more than one bee or in the mouth or throat, their reaction is more likely to be severe, and they can potentially experience anaphylactic shock. It is essential to act fast.

What should I do if my pet has been stung?

Stay calm! Panicking will only increase your pet’s stress.
The stinger will continue to release venom until it has been removed, causing pain and discomfort.

If you have noticed any of the above-mentioned severe reactions, give us a call and make your way in to see us immediately.

If your pet is having a mild reaction and experiencing discomfort only:

• Try to locate the site of the sting
• If you can find it, remove the stinger gently with tweezers

Once you are sure the stinger has been removed:

• Apply cool water via washing the site or pressing it gently with a wet cloth.
• Keep an eye on your pet for any developing symptoms, and ensure they are well hydrated.

If your pet appears uncomfortable or develops a more severe reaction after removing the sting, please give us a call for further advice. They may need medication to avoid a worsening reaction.

Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets tend to be the most common types of stinging insects. When they sting, they inject a small amount of poison that causes pain. The stinger of bees is barbed. When the bee stings, the stinger gets stuck in the skin and the bee dies when the stinger is separated from the body. On the other hand, wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket stingers are not barbed. They do, however, cause more pain and can sting multiple times.

Pets, just like people can have severe reactions to being stung by a bee. In some cases, this reaction can threaten your dog’s life. While being stung once can be bad, multiple stings or being stung in the mouth or throat can be very dangerous and require a visit to a veterinarian.

Signs your dog has been stung by a bee:

• Redness of the skin
• Itchiness – moderate to severe
• Thickened ear flaps
• Swelling of the eyes, muzzle, neck, etc.
• Hives/welts on the skin
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing or even collapse
• Weakness

• Wide-spread swelling (especially around the face and/or neck if your dog got stung in their mouth)
• Welts on the face or covering a large portion of the body
• Increased itchiness and scratching
• Swelling, welts, or scratching that's getting progressively worse
• Continuous vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Trouble Breathing
• Collapse

If it's just mild itchiness or swelling (that isn't present on or around their face or neck), and your pet isn't too uncomfortable, you may be able to treat them at home.

What to Do When Your Dog Gets Stung

Give Your Dog Benadryl® (diphenhydramine)

Give your dog a dose of diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl), as long your veterinarian has given your dog the okay to take it.

Your Dog and Benadryl: You may not know if your dog can handle or is allergic to Benadryl if they have never had it before. If your dog's reaction seems to worsen or you do not notice any improvement within 30 minutes of being given Benadryl, contact their veterinarian immediately and stop using it. It's always a good idea to preemptively talk with your veterinarian about whether Benadryl is okay to use for your pet in case they ever get stung.

How to Calculate Benadryl Dosages for Your Dog or Cat

The typical dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight (please refer to the warnings when giving your pet Benadryl). Use the calculator below to determine your dog's minimum and maximum dosage of pill/tablet or liquid diphenhydramine. 

Generally speaking, pets under 12 pounds should be given liquid, while pets over 15 pounds should be given pills. For pets weighing between 12–15 pounds, it's often easiest to give them their dose using a half or whole pill, but some may require or do better with the liquid form.

Using Benadryl Pills

To calculate your dog's dosage in tablet form, enter their weight in the pill calculator further below. Give them a dose that falls within the minimum to maximum range, using whatever combination of whole and half pills it takes to get you to a dose within the dose range you've just calculated.

You do want to look at the medication box to find out how many milligrams (mg) of diphenhydramine are in each pill or tablet and give them the combination of full and half pills that gets them within that dose range. Diphenhydramine pills are typically 25 mg each, but there are smaller 12.5 mg tablets and larger 50 mg tablets. You can adjust the tablet dosage in the calculator below to help you determine how many tablets to give within their dosage range.

Using Benadryl Liquid

For liquid dosages, determine the concentration of diphenhydramine based on the medication's label (use the illustration below as a guide) and enter those values and your pet's weight into the Diphenhydramine Liquid Dosage Calculator below:

PRO TIP: If your dog is difficult to give pills to, consider using a pill popper. Pill pockets are also a good option, but if your dog's face or throat is swollen, swallowing a pill pocket may be uncomfortable.

How Often Should You Give Your Dog Benadryl After a Bee Sting?

Give the calculated dose of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) the moment you notice any swelling. Repeat that dose 4 to 6 hours later. Then give every 8 hours, repeating the calculated dose for 2 to 3 days.

Other Uses of Benadryl for Dogs

Diphenhydramine is often given to dogs for other reasons besides bee stings. Before giving Benadryl to your dog, make sure you have discussed its use with your veterinarian. For some dogs, but not all, Benadryl has been found to help lessen the effects of seasonal allergies and itching. The calculated dose can be given every 8 to 12 hours.

Since Benadryl can make some dogs sleepy, pet owners have found giving the calculated dose about 1 to 2 hours before traveling helpful if their dog has travel anxiety. Use caution, especially if you have never given Benadryl prior, as it can make some dogs hyper.

No Longer Used for Snake Bites

For years, Benadryl was recommended to give to dogs that were bitten by snakes. This is no longer the recommendation due to the fact that some contraindications have been found. It is often only used as a pre-treatment if the dog is getting antivenom to help prevent a reaction to the antivenom.

WARNINGS WHEN GIVING YOUR PET BENADRYL

• Make sure your medication ONLY has diphenhydramine as an active ingredient! Don't use any additional pain relievers, decongestants, or other drug types. So no Benadryl® Cold and Flu, Benadryl® Cold and Allergy, Tylenol® PM, Advil® PM, or any other combination medications containing diphenhydramine – just straight up diphenhydramine.

  

• Double-check that there is no alcohol listed in the active ingredients of the diphenhydramine you're using for your pet.

• Make sure that the formulation of diphenhydramine you get for your dog does NOT contain xylitol, a common sweetener that is fine for people but highly toxic to dogs!

• If your pet is overweight or obese (be honest), calculate their dose based on what their ideal/target "lean" body weight should be.

• Benadryl overdosing can cause pets to suffer agitation, sedation, vomiting, heart abnormalities, and other problems. So please be sure to double (and triple) check your doses before giving your pet this medication.

• Monitor your pet's swelling. If it is no better within an hour or gets worse at any point, you should take them to a veterinarian immediately for evaluation and further treatment. Similarly, if the swelling is present on their face or neck, or if they are having any difficulties breathing, they should be brought immediately to the vet.
  

Remove the Stinger

Here is a video and tips for stinger removal. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, take your dog to a veterinary clinic.

1. Scrape a credit card over the skin and in the direction of the fur at the site of the sting to gently remove the stinger. Once removed, flick off the stinger into the trash.
2. Wash the area with warm water and a mild soap following the removal of the stinger.
3. Apply a soothing paste of baking soda. Use a 3:1 mixture, three parts baking soda to one part water.

You do NOT want to use tweezers unless it is necessary. Tweezers can potentially force more venom from the stinger.

Monitor the Area

If the swelling around the sting site is not responding to diphenhydramine or the at-home treatments described further below, you should see your veterinarian. Some dogs have more severe reactions to bee or wasp stings than others and will need more immediate veterinary care.

Prevent Your Dog from Chewing, Licking, or Scratching at the Sting

It may be necessary to put an Elizabethan collar and/or socks on your dog’s paws to help control trauma to the skin from chewing and scratching. Continual trauma or irritation to the affected skin can delay the sting from healing and cause an infection.

And remember, if your pet’s swelling is widespread (especially around the face and/or neck), the itchiness is intense, or there are any digestive disorders, breathing problems, or collapse — your pet needs to be seen immediately by a vet for evaluation and treatment.

What If You Don't Have Benadryl or Your Dog is Allergic to it?

If your pet does get a bee sting that just causes mild itchiness or swelling around only the site of the sting (that’s not present on or around their face), and your pet isn't too uncomfortable with it, you may have success treating them at home with one of the following at-home bee sting treatments.

These treatments can be used on dogs or cats who have been stung by bees, wasps, or hornets:

Ice Pack

Once you identify the sting area, you should apply an ice pack over the swelling area. Wrap the ice pack in a washcloth to prevent direct skin contact, as direct prolonged skin contact with ice can cause damage.

Apply the ice pack for ten minutes, followed by ten minutes without. Repeat this for the first hour or two. A bag of frozen peas or vegetables works well if you don’t have ice available. If there are several stings or bites to the body, soaking a towel in very cold water and applying it helps.

General Medi Instant Cold Packs

Apple Cider Vinegar

You can apply the vinegar to a cotton ball, cotton pad, or cotton swab and hold it directly on the stung area. Apple cider vinegar can often neutralize the venom from a bee sting. Do this several times until the swelling subsides. Take care not to get any near your dog’s eyes.

White House Apple Cider Vinegar

Witch Hazel

You can apply witch hazel several times per day with a cotton swab or cotton ball to clean the area and help with irritation. Witch hazel provides the benefit of reducing inflammation and itchiness. Take care not to get any near your pet’s eyes.

T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Cleansing Pads

Baking Soda Paste

You can easily make a paste of baking soda and water (3:1 — three parts soda to one part water). You can also use baking soda capsules to make small amounts of paste. Simply apply the paste to the sting area once every two hours for the first day until the swelling goes back down. Take care not to get any near your pet’s eyes and discontinue use if your pet is licking the paste off (as too much can cause digestive upset). Additionally, if there are multiple stings on your dog’s body, a soak in an oatmeal bath may be soothing.

Earthborn Elements Baking Soda Capsules

Oatmeal Bath

Additionally, if there are multiple stings on your dog’s body, a soak in an oatmeal bath may be soothing. To make an oatmeal bath, grind ½ to 1 cup of plain oatmeal into a powder (do not use instant oatmeal with sugar added). Fill up a tub with lukewarm to room-temperature water. Add the oatmeal powder (you can also include a ½ cup of Epsom Salt) and mix to blend. Allow your dog to soak in the tub for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse well and gently towel dry.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel can help soothe your dog's bee sting. You should only use pure aloe vera (not a lotion or other gels that are mixed with alcohol or chemicals). Take care not to get any near your dog's eyes.

Theodore Magnus Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia helps reduce itchiness and irritation. Apply a soothing coat of the milk of magnesia to the affected area several times per day. Be careful not to get any near your pet’s eyes and discontinue use if your dog is licking it off (as too much can cause digestive upset). 

USP Milk of Magnesia

Hydrocortisone

Apply a thin layer of .5% hydrocortisone cream to irritated areas.

Zymox Enzymatic Topical Cream with Hydrocortisone

Repeat Bee or Wasp Stings in a Short Time

An important point to remember is to not let your pet right back out into the yard after treatment for a sting — though you wouldn't be the first pet owner to do so! Consecutive (repeated) stings that happen close together have a greater chance of resulting in a more severe, rapid, and more likely-to-be fatal reaction. Keep your pets out of the yard until you've had an exterminator trained in the relocation of bees or an experienced beekeeper comes over to take care of any bee, wasp, or yellow jacket problem. The best way to find local beekeepers is to get online. Visit your favorite search engine and type in your zip code, county name, or city name and the phrase “beekeepers association” as the search query.

Do not attempt to relocate any hives or nests by yourself. This can be dangerous.

Preventing Bee Stings in Dogs

Some dogs sadly have a silly habit of eating bees and wasps, which is quite dangerous. When a dog eats a bee or other stinging insect, any sting that occurs within the mouth or throat carries a much greater risk of breathing problems due to the swelling that could close up their airway.

For Dogs with Known Severe Bee Sting Reactions

Once a dog has had a severe reaction to a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket sting, there's a good chance that their reaction to any future stings will also be severe. Follow the preventive steps above, but even with the best preventative steps stings may still happen.

With anaphylactic reactions, the risk is just too great not to be prepared! So, if your dog has had a severe, anaphylactic reaction to a sting in the past, I recommend you always know where your nearest Animal ER is and look into and discuss with your vet the following three options to help protect your dog in the event of any future stings.

Pre-treat with Benadryl

If you have a relatively defined "bee season" where you live, giving your dog Benadryl daily may help to lessen the severity of any stings they may suffer. This is known as "pre-treating." Unfortunately, we don't know for certain whether or not it will work for all dogs and in all situations. Additionally, Benadryl doesn't stick around in a dog's body for too long and typically needs to be dosed every 8–12 hours, meaning that the Benadryl you've given your dog in the morning may not still be around and active in their system come the afternoon or evening if they're stung. Lastly, Benadryl can make some dogs quite drowsy, so daily dosing (especially multiple times a day) may not be the best way for your dog to be.

Bee Allergy Shots

Just like other allergies in people and pets, some dogs can be "desensitized" to the effects of bee and wasp venom. This series of "allergy shots" — a process more correctly called "hyposensitization" — aims to prevent your dog's body from overreacting to any bee and wasp stings they may get. This is great, given that severe reactions can lead to death before you could even get your dog to the vet, and also because you may not always be around to actually see your dog get stung. If you have a dog with known severe bee/wasp sting allergies and live near a veterinary dermatology practice that offers this service, I'd highly recommend contacting them and finding out if the hyposensitization series might be right for your dog. Some locations of the Animal Dermatology Clinic in California provide this service, and their vets were instrumental in testing the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.

Carry an EpiPen

When dealing with severe, anaphylactic reactions to stings, time is truly of the essence. If you know that your dog has severe allergies to bee, wasp, or yellow jacket stings, it may be a good idea to have an EpiPen with you whenever you're out or traveling with your dog.

The quick shot of epinephrine that these devices deliver may just be the thing that can help save your dog's life and buy you the time you need to get them to the veterinarian. Note that EpiPens come in both "regular" and "junior" sizes — your veterinarian is best equipped to let you know which size your dog will need (and you'll need a prescription from your vet to get your pet(s) one anyway). Of course, EpiPens aren't cheap, and they do expire. To easily check around for the best prices of EpiPens near you, check the pharmacy price-shopping website GoodRx.com.

Have a Pet First Aid Kit at Home

It's a good idea to keep some diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at home and in your pet's first aid kits and to check with your veterinarian in advance to ensure that it's safe for you to give your dog this medication in the event of a sting. That way should your dog ever get stung, you can just go ahead and give them their dose early and hopefully prevent some of the swelling, hives, and other problems.

Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in regular Benadryl, and it can be very useful in sting allergic reactions. Note that it doesn't have to be a Benadryl brand, as you can also get the generic diphenhydramine, which should work just as well and costs you less. ALWAYS be sure that you know the milligrams per tablet. Some tablets are 12.5 mg and others can be 25 mg or 50 mg.

Whether you go with a generic or brand name, it is vitally important to ensure that you get a medication that ONLY has diphenhydramine as an active ingredient! You don't want any additional pain relievers, decongestants, or other drug types in there. So, no Benadryl® Cold and Flu, Benadryl® Cold and Allergy, Tylenol® PM, Advil® PM, or any other combination medications containing diphenhydramine – just straight up diphenhydramine.

Many human medications and pain relievers are highly toxic to dogs, so don't forget to check the ingredient labels. And also make sure that the liquid does NOT contain any xylitol, as this can be fatal if given to your pup!

If you are traveling with your pet, ice or ice packs are not always available. You can pack these instant cold packs in your pet's first aid kit. Just be sure to put something between the ice pack and your dog's skin. Also, do not leave the pack around where your dog can chew on it.

For outdoor activity pet emergency kits, get baking soda capsules so you can make a quick paste to apply to a sting. Be sure to store them in a water-tight container. Witch hazel pads are available that you can also keep handy in an outdoor activity pet emergency kit.