My Dog Got Stung by a Bee: Our Vet Explains What to Do
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View 3 More +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!
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.
Risks of Bee Stings in Dogs
As we mentioned, the possible outcomes for a dog stung by a bee are numerous:
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:
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:
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.
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.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Stefan Malloch, Shutterstock
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Dr. Joe Mallat DVM (Veterinarian)
Joe is a veterinarian from Sydney, Australia. When he's not working, he enjoys cooking, exercising, and exploring the Australian wilderness. He has worked for 2 years at a mixed-species practice on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, treating animals of all sizes. His areas of particular interest include wound management, internal medicine, and oncology. Joe's love for the profession comes not only from helping dogs, but also from helping their parents and working with wonderful teams of people.
Joe completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney in 2020.
