Sore Paws: Managing Your Dog’s Bee Sting

Our dogs’ daily walkies become much more pleasant in Spring and Summer, with beautiful blooms, higher (hopefully) temperatures and lighter days.

However, as the weather warms up, the insects begin to emerge. Our dogs are at risk of getting stung from early spring through summer. Some dogs enjoy the thrill and danger of chasing these insects, others might just accidentally tread on them.

Here is our guide on what to do if your dog gets stung.

Symptoms of an Insect Sting

Although allergic reactions can occur, most bee or wasp stings won’t be an emergency. Multiple stings may be more likely to result in a serious reaction.

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Limping
• Drooling
• Reacting loudly to something
• Licking or chewing on paw
• Pawing at face
• Whining or panting
• Retching

These are common symptoms of an insect sting in our pets. However, the following may be the sign of a serious reaction, either because of multiple stings or because your dog is having an allergic reaction:

• Vomiting
• Wheezing
• Disorientation
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty Breathing
• Seizures
• Swelling around the mouth and throat

If any of the above symptoms occur, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Find your nearest Pet Practice.

What Should I Do If My Dog Is Stung?

Firstly, check if you can see the stinger in the wound.

If you can spot it, it means the insect was a bee, as they will leave their stingers behind. Unfortunately, a bee sting will continue to inject venom once embedded in the skin, so it will need to be removed ASAP.

The best method for this is to use a credit card. Locate the yellowish stinger and try to use your credit card or similar to hook the sac out. Never squeeze the venom sac with your fingers, as this can inject more toxins into the wound.

When Should I Alert My Vet?

It is important to pay close attention to stings around the face or mouth, as this is a risky area. If your dog has multiple stings or shows signs of a serious reaction, please contact your vet immediately and never treat at home with human medication.

If you believe your dog has eaten a wasp or bee, get in contact with your vet. On occasion, your dog may need to go in for a check; either way, your canine companion will need to be watched closely for 12 hours.

If your dog needs to be seen by a vet, they will remove the stings and offer some pain medication and anti-inflammatories.

How to reduce the swelling at home?

For non-serious stings, you can reduce the swelling at home with some simple first aid.

Use an icepack, a frozen pack of something or a cloth dipped in cold water to soothe the area and reduce the pain/swelling. Shop our first aid and healthcare products.

Remember, spring can be a time for many hazards. Read our Guide to Keeping Safe on Spring Walks.

Being informed is important for keeping your dog healthy. Learn what is unsafe in our Guide to Dangerous Plants.