Summer is here! And while it’s mostly fun and frolic, let’s be real there’s a lot more to look out for when it comes to our pets. For example, is there anything more heartbreaking than seeing your sweet lil’ fur baby get stung by a bee? We’ve been there and trust us: the answer is no.

But fear not! We’re coming in hot with the 4-1-1 on what to do if your BFF gets in a rumble with a stinger so that you can keep them safe, happy, and bee-free in the future.

Symptoms Of Dog Getting Stung By A Bee

If you think your dog got stung by a bee, before you go into full-on panic mode, look for some sure-fire bee sting indicators:

  • A sudden “yelp” during outdoor play
  • Sudden pawing at a certain area
  • Sudden chewing at a certain area
  • Swelling in any area of the body
  • A left-behind stinger

Note: It’s the last one that’s key for a bee sting. Bees are the only insects that leave their stinger behind so keep your eyes peeled for it!

What Happens When a Dog Gets Stung by a Bee?

Aside from the tear-inducing whimper that you may hear, you should expect minor swelling in the affected area. For dogs it’s usually on the pads of their paws or on the nose or face - and the general pain and itching associated with bee stings.

However, just as there’s risk of an allergic reaction for us dog owners, the same goes for furbabies. Monitoring for increased swelling and breathing trouble is important for the first thirty minutes after a sting.

What You Should Do When a Dog Gets Stung by a Bee

Bee on alert! See what we did there? On a more serious note, monitoring your pup after a bee sting is super important! Here are some steps to take ASAP:
  • Spot the bite: If your pup suddenly starts pawing at their face or chewing at their foot, consider the possibility of a sting sooner than later.
  • Pinpoint the insect: Look around the area for insects so you know what you’re dealing with. If you spot a stinger, you can be certain it’s a bee.
  • Remove the stinger: Remove it by scraping a credit card over the affected area. Using tweezers can release more venom into the system - no fun!
  • Soothe the bite: A mixture of baking soda and water can help soothe itching, but if there are multiple bites an oatmeal bath is key!
  • Ease the swelling: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes.

Should I Take My Dog to the Vet If They Get Stung?

If your dog gets stung by a bee, a visit to the vet is likely unnecessary. But there’s always a chance that they could have an allergic reaction, so watch out for:

  • Severe swelling in the head/neck
  • Hives on any part of the body
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Agitation
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures

Most allergic reactions appear within the first 20 minutes, but can occur hours later in rare occurrences. Monitor closely after bug bites and keep your eyes peeled for serious symptoms, so that if a severe reaction occurs, you should get them to the vet ASAP.

We promise we’re not here to scare you, just to keep you informed! As we head into the summer months, stick with us, to stay educated so that you and your furry friend can have a fun, (and safe!) summer.