What to do if your dog is stung by a bee?

This post was originally written by Kiki Kane and updated by Melissa Sanger, LVT, on July 29, 2022.

As curious as dogs can be to explore the outdoors, they really don’t get stung as often as you might think. But when they do, it can be scary, painful, and even dangerous, depending on how your dog reacts.

If you’re wondering what to do if your dog encounters unwanted bees, we’re here to help. Learn how to identify the symptoms of a bee sting, the treatments you can do at home, and when you need to call the vet.

How to keep your dog safe and prevent bee stings

Your dog is more likely to encounter bees in the spring and summer, when the bees are busy collecting pollen and nectar from seasonal flowers.

However, this does not mean that you need to avoid going outdoors. There are many things you can do to reduce your chances of getting stung in the first place.

A quick scan of the area can show the difference between being burned and not being burned. It is essential to practice bees safe Whether you are spending the day at home or out on an adventure. Prevention is key, so we’ve put together a list of the best ways to avoid bee stings.

• Keep your dog away from the hive. A buzzing, sweet-smelling hive can appeal to a dog that is naturally curious.
• Avoid areas with lots of flowers. Bees are attracted to flowers, so it’s best to ignore blooming areas as much as possible.
• Wear light-colored clothing when hiking. Bees see darker colors as a threat.
• Keep your dog on a leash. When going out for a walk or hiking, it’s best to keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from accidentally stumbling upon a colony.
• Spend time outside when bees are least active. This includes early morning and after dark.
• Use vinegar diluted with water as a natural repellent. Vinegar Institute recommends using one cup of distilled white vinegar with two gallons of water to eliminate odors on smelly dogs. As an added bonus, bees don’t like sour scents.
• Application Insect spray for dogs. While it’s not safe to use human bug spray on your dog, there are Bug spray specially formulated to be safe for dogs.

Signs Your dog has been stung by a bee

If you suspect a bee has stung your dog, the first thing to do is check for a stinger, although you may not find it. If the sting occurs in a hairy area of ​​the dog’s body, there may be no obvious signs.

Other times, your dog may scream, enjoy the area, pounce on their face or muzzle, limp, or even bite into the sting. If you can see it under that coat, most bee stings look like small, red, swollen areas. They can be warm to the touch and are often painful for pets.

Some swelling and discomfort is normal and not necessarily a sign of an allergic reaction.

What to do if your dog is stung by a bee?

Sometimes, bee stings are unavoidable. That’s why it’s important to know how to proceed. You will need to determine if the sting is mild enough to treat at home or if your dog needs a visit to the vet.

What is an emergency — and what isn’t?

A trip to the vet is warranted for the following non-urgent reasons.

• If a bee stings your dog on the nose, near the eyes, in the ears, in the mouth or near the rectum. You’ll want the vet to check that everything is fine.
• Many burns. Multiple stings can cause your dog to have a more severe allergic reaction because there will be more venom in their system.

Some dogs are very allergic to bee stings, and even one sting can cause a reaction. Allergic reactions usually occur within 20 minutes of being stung but can slow down, so close monitoring is important. Serious reactions, including anaphylaxiscan be fatal, so you must act quickly.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, so it’s important to know what to watch out for and how to handle each one.

Symptoms of a mild reaction

Some dogs have a very mild reaction. You can treat them at home. Symptoms that occur at the sting site and area can be:

• Swollen
• Warm to the touch
• Red
• Itchy
• Pain

Symptoms of a moderate reaction

Other dogs may react a little more severely. This type of reaction requires a call to the vet, close monitoring, and extra care, but is not usually associated with a trip to the vet. A moderate reaction may include:

• Swelling may continue to spread
• Loss of appetite
• Comatose

Symptoms of a serious reaction

One severe reaction Most likely your dog is allergic to bees or has multiple stings. (Like if they encountered a hive rather than just a bee.)

If your dog has a severe reaction, they need immediate medical attention because their symptoms can be life-threatening. Take the dog to their regular vet or to the emergency clinic if it’s after hours. A serious reaction may include:

• Swelling around the head and neck causing difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath or wheezing, possibly due to airway swelling
• A lot of drooling shows that the dog’s throat is swollen and they have difficulty swallowing
• Agitation due to pain, itching or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness or disorientation, a sign your dog may be having a potentially dangerous reaction
• Convulsions
• Hives anywhere on the body

What happens now?

Once you’ve determined whether your dog needs a visit to the vet, here’s what you can expect.

At the vet

If it is necessary to take your dog to the vet, you can expect swift action. The team can even hit your dog in the back to initiate treatment if your dog has trouble breathing.

Your vet will perform a thorough examination and will likely start with a prophylactic treatment. Benadryl injections. Once your dog is stable, paramedics will give IV fluids and steroids. Your veterinarian may recommend an overnight stay and careful monitoring until your dog is fully recovered.

At home

If you don’t need to go to the vet, there are a few things you can do at home to help comfort your dog and reduce the painful swelling that often accompanies bee stings. Experts at VCA . Animal Hospital recommend the following:

• Find and remove the nib. Scanning a credit card in your area is the best way to do this. Tweezers can actually make things worse by squeezing more venom into the sting.
• Soothes the sting. Apply a thick mixture of baking soda and water to the sting.
• Minimize swelling. Apply an ice pack to the area to reduce swelling and reduce discomfort and pain.
• Consult your veterinarian. Oral antihistamines can minimize the reaction and reduce itching, but be sure to talk to your vet first.
• Prevent your dog from scratching the area. Scratching the sting can make the problem worse by slowing healing and causing infection.
• Give your dog fresh water and a small amount of food. You may need to moisten their dry food to make it easier for them to eat.

Never give your dog home remedies without your veterinarian’s consent.

Bring these in case you get stung by bees

• Baking soda
• Oatmeal. Oatmeal baths can be helpful if your dog has a lot of stings. Place one cup of powdered oatmeal in a tub of warm water and let the dog soak for ten minutes before rinsing it off again.
• Benadryl. Remember to always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication.
• An EpiPen. It is not safe to use a human EpiPen on your dogbut your vet may prescribe a medication that your veterinarian has approved if Your dog is allergic to insect bites and stings. You can take it with you when your dog is out just to be on the safe side.

Be careful out there

Bees are docile creatures that only sting if they feel threatened. However, the sting still occurs. If your dog stumbles across a bee sting, you don’t need to panic. Call your vet, watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, and keep your dog comfortable. After all, the great outdoors is a beautiful place for all of us absorb the sun.

Read more