What to Do If Dog Gets Stung By Bee

If your dog has been stung by a bee, you need to be able to distinguish between an allergic reaction and a non-allergic reaction.

A non-allergic reaction is when the sting does not cause any swelling or redness. It usually lasts for less than 24 hours and may only cause mild discomfort. A non-allergic reaction is usually treated with simple first aid, such as washing the area with soap and water, applying an ice pack, or using antihistamines.

An allergic reaction is when the sting causes swelling and redness in addition to other symptoms that may last for days or weeks. An allergic reaction can be fatal if not treated quickly enough because it can lead to anaphylaxis which causes a drop in blood pressure, vomiting, or trouble breathing.

How do you treat a dog for a bee sting?

Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting site. If your dog has multiple stings or bites, a soothing oatmeal bath is the way to go. Minimize swelling. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.^[1]

Will my dog be OK after a bee sting?

In most cases, a bee or wasp sting will cause some mild pain and irritation but will not need any vet treatment. Occasionally, bee and wasp stings can be more serious, so it’s better to get your dog to leave bees and wasps alone. Teaching your dog to come back (recall) will help to protect your dog.^[2]

Should I be concerned if my dog gets stung by a bee?

Speak to your veterinarian if you have any concerns After a bee sting, dogs will typically experience some level of swelling and discomfort, but if it’s their first time or you know your dog is prone to a more severe reaction, be sure to seek emergency veterinary attention.^[3]

What happens if your dog gets stung by a bee?

Most of the time, if your dog is stung by a bee or wasp, the worst they will end up with is a swollen face or paw and some localised pain and irritation. Though your dog might appear distressed when they’ve been stung, this pain should go away after a short period of time.^[4]

What if I can’t find the stinger on my dog?

If you still can’t find the stinger, look at the area from a side angle rather than straight on to see if you can spot it. Once you’ve found the stinger, remove it with tweezers or use a credit card to scrape it out of the wound.^[5]

How long does a bee sting last in a dog?

For most dogs, bee stings should improve within 12-24 hours. If new symptoms occur during that time, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some pets require hospitalization and intensive motoring. For dogs who have allergic reactions to bee stings, the next time they are stung may lead to a more severe reaction.^[6]

Can you give dog Benadryl for bee sting?

Benadryl is a safe and effective antihistamine for bee stings. Proper dosing for dogs is 1 mg per pound. Most Benadryl comes in 25 mg tablets, which is easier to dose for larger dogs but for small dogs, try children’s Benadryl in a 12.5 mg dose (the liquid option makes it easy!).^[7]

Can I give Benadryl to my dog?

Benadryl is safe to give your dog for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and vaccine side effects. Though a typical Benadryl pill is 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9-1.8 mg per pound of weight. Make sure that the Benadryl you’re giving your dog only contains diphenhydramine.^[8]

How long does it take for allergic reaction to bee sting?

Sometimes you may not experience a reaction until 4 hours or longer after the sting occurs. At that point you may begin to experience hives, fever, joint pain, swelling, and headache. Allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can occur in just minutes up to several hours after the sting.^[9]

What does a bee sting look like in a dog?

Generally, bee stings on dogs look like small areas of swelling that may also be red or warm to the touch. If your dog is stung by a bee, she may be sensitive if you try to touch the area. Dogs are most likely to be stung on their face, though stings can occur anywhere on the body.^[10]

How do you know if the stinger is out?

Step 1: Take Out the Stinger You’ll likely see a red bump. If a stinger was left behind, you’ll also see a small black filament sticking out of the center. It may have a bulbous end, which is the venom sac. If the skin around the stinger is loose, pull it tight to get a better look.^[11]

What medication can I give my dog for a bee sting?

Give Your Dog Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) Give your dog a dose of diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl), as long your veterinarian has given your dog the okay to take it.^[12]