Bee Stings And Dogs

Updated: 29th April 2021

I really love bees – and dogs.  But no doubt about it, a bee sting for a dog can be painful (as can wasp and hornet stings), so what are the signs of your dog being stung, how should you treat a dog for a bee sting, and when is a bee sting dangerous for a dog?

Helping Dogs With Bee Stings

Signs your dog has been stung by a bee (or wasp or hornet)

Because dogs often walk through grassy wild flower areas (including low growing wild flowers such as clover and bird’s foot trefoil) they are most likely to be stung on the paw or leg, or (if they frequently have their nose to the ground) around the muzzle or face.  (If you see your dog ‘biting’ at insects, try to discourage this, because it’s possible a sting could occur in the mouth).     

Upon being stung, you may hear a yelp and your dog may paw at their muzzle or face, or begin to limp or bite at a paw.     

When is it okay to treat the dog’s bee sting yourself?

Firstly, do not give human medications to dogs unless instructed by a veterinarian.

Bee sting on the body or leg of a dog

If a dog is stung on the body – for example, its back or side, or if it is stung on the side of its leg, you could help your dog by taking measures to relieve the pain.  An ice pack on the area  of the sting will help.  If the stinger is still present within the skin and you are able to remove it, do so.

If you have bicarbonate of soda, mix a teaspoon with a few drops of water at a time until you have a paste.  Apply the paste to the sting, and cover with a bandage if possible to prevent your dog licking the paste off.

Your dog may be irritated by the sting for a couple of days or so, and there may be a small amount of swelling in the area, but the effects will gradually wear off.

However, if your dog experiences more severe swelling or other symptoms (see below), please see your vet.

Sting between the toes/underside of paw

First try the treatments above, but keep an eye on your dog for reactions (again, see below).  Also, if your dog begins to bite at the paw and cause bleeding, there could be a danger of infection, in which case, speak with your vet about the best actions to take.

When is a bee sting dangerous for a dog and when should they see the vet?

1. Bee sting on a dog’s nose, close to the eye, in the ear, in the mouth, close to the rectum

If your dog is stung in any of the areas listed above, take it to the vet sooner rather than later.  Stings around such areas can be problematic in a variety of different ways, serious reactions can occur (such as swelling and breathing restrictions), and it would be better to have a vet look at it and provide appropriate medication to prevent something more serious and even life threatening.

2. Serious reactions

See your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs (but not necessarily all of them):

• difficulty breathing,
• vomiting and/or diarrhea (with blood sometimes present), 
• severe swelling, 
• drooling, or 
• collapse.

Your dog is having a severe reaction – anaphylactic shock that could be life threatening.  Your vet will provide the necessary urgent treatment and support, and may provide you with an Epi-pen for your dog in case of future stinging incidents.

3. Multiple stings

If your dog has been stung multiple times, see the vet for medication and advice immediately in case of reaction to multiple ‘injections’ of the venom (such as kidney failure).

Are bee stings in dogs a common occurrence?

I should point out that a dog being stung by a bee is certainly possible, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the signs and symptoms, but I’m not sure it’s something to be unduly worried about.  Many dogs go for walks in parks, and don’t get stung.

The photographs of the dog on this page are of our lovely spaniel, Charlie, an ex-rescue, who came to us in 2011.  We think he was about 8 years old when we got him (there were no formal records for him), and sadly he passed away last year (March 2019), but he had a very happy life with us, and we still love and miss him greatly.

Having a dog never deterred me from my efforts to attract bees into my garden, even though I knew a sting could be possible.  He was never stung by a bee, wasp or hornet, despite the freedom he had in our garden, and the long country walks, including around wild flower areas where I would pause to photograph bees.  However, I would certainly keep dogs away from swarms, bee hives, wild honey bee colonies, bee nests, wasp and hornet nests.

Further information

• Bee Sting Treatment: Step by step treatment for bee stings
  Bee Sting Treatment: Various options for treating and preventing bee stings, information about allergies and reactions
  
  
• Bee Sting Facts: 10 Facts About Bee Stings - Some May Surprise You!
  10 Bee sting facts: What's the real risk of being stung by a bee? Do all types of bees sting? Is a wasp sting the same as a bee sting? Why do bees sting?
  
  
• Prevent Bee And Wasp Stings - 12 great tips to prevent being stung!
  How to prevent bee stings and wasp stings, with further link to treatments, remedies and interesting facts about the risks.

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