How can I tell if my dog has been stung by a bee?
Signs that your pup has been stung by a bee include drooling, swelling, excessive licking, and pawing at a specific area. You may also notice them digging around in a flower bed and crying out.
Dogs often get stung by bees on their paws or around the mouth and face. Check these areas for redness or swelling if your dog is behaving out of character.
What do I do if my dog has been stung by a bee?
After a bee has stung your dog, monitor your pup for an allergic reaction. In the meantime, call your regular vet to let them know what happened and ask if they’d like you to bring your dog in.
Monitoring Your Dog for an Allergic Reaction
The most important thing to do immediately following a bee sting is to watch for an allergic reaction. Dogs who have been stung before, or who are stung by multiple bees at one time, are more likely to have an allergic reaction.
It's crucial to keep an eye on your pet's breathing if the sting site swells noticeably, especially if it's on the neck or face. Take your dog to an emergency vet right away if you suspect that she isn't breathing enough or that she is beginning to gasp or wheeze.
If your dog starts vomiting within 5-10 minutes after being stung or has increasingly pale gums, this could be a sign of anaphylactic shock. If your dog shows either of these symptoms, head to an emergency vet immediately.
Other dangerous signs of an allergic reaction include significant drooling, agitation, or sudden aggression.
Making Your Dog More Comfortable
If 30 minutes to an hour have passed and your dog shows no signs of an allergic reaction, you can focus on making them more comfortable.
In this case, your veterinarian may have already recommended over-the-counter medications (antihistamines such as Benadryl) but be sure to use the recommended dosage for your dog.
For most dogs, the area where the sting occured will be sensitive and puffy. If you can see the sting site and easily remove the stinger with tweezers, do so immediately to ease pain and prevent the venom injected by the stinger from spreading.
The majority of dogs begin to feel better within a few hours of being stung and should be back to normal within a day or two. To lessen swelling and inflammation, you can apply a damp towel to the sting site in the interim.
Contact your primary care vet to book a full health checkup for your pup and to have an opportunity to seek more advice on how to solve this frustrating issue.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Has your dog received a bee sting that's causing severe symptoms? Contact our Visalia veterinarians at Tulare-Kings Veterinary Emergency Services for care during our regular business hours.