Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

My Dog Got Stung by a Bee: Our Vet Explains What to Do

Dog with bee

Any vet who works in an emergency clinic can attest to the surprisingly high frequency at which dogs are stung by bees. Some dogs chase bees and get stung, some dogs tread on bees while walking, and some dogs lick or eat bees found on the ground. The range of reactions is wide—some dogs are completely fine, and other dogs experience life-threatening anaphylaxis.

If you’ve found a bee stinger in your dog or suspect that he or she has been stung by a bee, it’s best to get in touch with a veterinarian. Read on to find out what you should do in the meantime, and what you should be watching for!

divider single dog paw oct 2024

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Been Stung?

Rarely do dog owners actually see their dog get stung by a bee. Sometimes, if you look close enough and part the hair, you’ll locate the stinger, which is a small dark pointy “pin”. Other times, a diagnosis of a bee sting can be presumed based on signs of acute swelling and hives, or anaphylaxis.

brown dog with swollen face
Image Credit: Deer worawut, Shutterstock

Risks of Bee Stings in Dogs

As we mentioned, the possible outcomes for a dog stung by a bee are numerous:
  • No reaction or signs of ill-health
  • Localized mild reaction: Pain and swelling at the site of the sting (sometimes resulting in an obvious limp if stepped on)
  • Hypersensitivity: Swelling of the face and hives (“hypersensitivity”)
  • Anaphylaxis: Often resulting in collapse and shock
  • Swelling of the mouth and difficulty breathing (if eaten)

It is impossible to predict which one of these reactions your dog will have. It depends on their immune system, the potency of the bee sting, and possibly previous bee sting episodes. It is also important to note that while anaphylactic reactions may seem very scary, they are fairly rare. 

Here’s What to Do

Follow the below four-step plan to act quickly and get the best outcome for your dog:
  • Remove the stinger (if you can locate it). You will probably need to part the hair to visualize the stinger. It may help to have someone else gently hold or restrain your dog. The stinger can usually be removed with either your fingers or tweezers.
  • Check for any signs of ill-health. This might be vomiting, pain, swelling at the site, hives along their body, or swelling of the face (termed “edema”). Some dogs will appear lethargic, pale or even collapsed.
  • Watch and wait. If your dog seems completely fine, it may be reasonable to adopt a “watch and wait” approach while applying some cold compression to the area. If your dog is showing any of the above signs in (2), proceed to (4).
  • Contact a veterinarian. Arrange to have your dog seen by the vet, who can advise as to what treatment is necessary. Even if it’s just a check-up for your peace of mind, it’s probably worth it.

Did you know you can speak to a veterinarian without having to travel? Just head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

divider dog paws oct 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Are Bee Stings Treated by Vets?

This depends on how your dog presents to the vet clinic, what signs they are showing, and if they have a history of reactions to bees. All treatments will be discussed with you first.

Common treatments administered by vets include:
  • Removing the bee stinger
  • Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
  • Clipping and cleaning the sting site
  • Antihistamines (injections and tablets)
  • Antinausea medications (if vomiting is present)
  • Adrenaline and intravenous fluids (for anaphylaxis)
veterinarian and assistance checking up the small dog
Image Credit: PRESSLAB, Shutterstock

How Long After a Bee Sting Will a Dog Have a Reaction?

Most bee-sting reactions occur within 30 minutes of the sting. Some dogs will have delayed reactions several hours after the sting. Very few dogs have reactions more than 24 hours after the sting occurs.

What Is the Prognosis for a Dog Stung by a Bee?

Thankfully, most dogs stung by a bee make a full recovery, especially with prompt veterinary intervention. The prognosis is worse with anaphylactic reactions. Severe hives and facial swelling can take several days to subside.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

Some dogs get stung by bees while minding their own business; other dogs unknowingly aggravate or eat the bee. If your dog seems completely fine, remove the stinger and monitor closely for signs of a reaction. If your dog seems unwell in any way, don’t hesitate to contact a veterinarian.


Featured Image Credit: Stefan Malloch, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Allergy Bumps on Dogs: Our Vet Explains Hives & Urticaria

If bumpy red welts have erupted suddenly all over your dog, you may be wondering what they could be. These innocuous little bumps...

The pet is sick. Dog and allergic wounds

What to Do if Your Dog Is Stung by a Scorpion? Vet Approved Signs & Treatment

Dogs are extremely curious, and it can get them in a considerable amount of trouble with other animals like porcupines, snakes, and even...

Emperor Scorpion Close Up

Why Is My Dog Collapsing? 12 Likely Causes (Vet Answer)

It is any dog owner’s worst nightmare to find their dog collapsed. When your dog collapses, they experience a sudden loss of strength...

boxer dog laying on the carpet looking a bit sad

Allergies in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatment

For most people, part of every year involves buying extra tissues as the nose starts to alternate between running and stuffing up, and...

dog sitting on the meadow and scratching its body

More related

woman sitting on sofa and giving treat to the pembroke welsh corgi dog

Are Corgis Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips to Reduce Allergens

When it comes to pet allergies, dog owners are often in search of the “Holy Grail.” Unfortunately, contrary to popular belief, there is...

Dogster_Health Problems in the Summer

Health Problems for Dogs In the Summer: 12 Vet-Verified Issues & How to Help

Dogs make wonderful pets, and they provide us with many years of companionship. However, keeping them safe is not always easy, and as...

My Dog Ate Human Medication: Our Vet’s Advice on What to Do

Okay, your dog just grabbed a pill that fell on the floor. Do we panic, or do we wait and see what happens?...

maltese dog receiving an injection

Can a Dog Get Kennel Cough from the Vaccine? What the Science Tells Us

Kennel cough is an infectious canine tracheobronchitis caused by several bacteria and viruses. It is highly contagious and infected dogs show respiratory signs...

Keep reading

When to Switch to Senior Dog Food? 4 Vet-Reviewed Factors to Consider & Other Tips

Unlike puppy and adult food, senior dog food isn’t technically a type of food. The AAFCO does not list specific nutritional standards for senior dogs as they do for puppies and adults. However, you’ve probably seen senior dog foods on...

Labrador dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Ribs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Precautions

Ribs—whether we’re talking beef or pork ribs—are a tasty main dish that is just as good on the grill as in the oven. However, if you’re whipping up some ribs for dinner tonight, you might wonder if this is something...

person cutting pork ribs

Can Dogs Eat Daikon? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

As daikon radishes gain popularity in human cuisine, it’s only natural for dog owners to wonder if it’s safe to share this sweet and crunchy vegetable with their pups. The short answer is yes, dogs can eat daikon—not only is...

Can Dogs Eat Daikon

10 Best Dog Foods for Rhodesian Ridgebacks in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a beloved family member in many households around the world. These medium-large-sized, sweet, and sensitive dogs are equally intelligent and energetic, making them the perfect friend, playmate, and jogging partner. They’re also a healthy breed for...

Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

We can share a lot of our food items with our dogs, permitting we know the safety and nutritional quality. After all, our dogs are omnivorous just like us. However, when it comes to sweet treats and heavily processed goods,...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Apple Pie

11 Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Having a dog that’s a picky eater is no joke. Company after company promises to deliver food your dog will devour, and the result always seems to be a full bag of dog food your pup won’t touch. Not only...

labrador retriever eating dog food

10 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Having a Yorkie in your home is the perfect way to bring added joy to your life. If you’re like most pet parents, however, finding the right dog food is always on your mind. Yorkies are small dogs, with big...

Yorkshire Terrier with a bowl of food

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Cake? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safe Recipes

We are all well aware that human foods can be harmful to dogs. Some just don’t have any health benefits for canines, while others are highly toxic to them, including many sweet treats. Dogs shouldn’t eat carrot cake, though if...

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Cake