What To Do if Your Dog is Stung by a Bee

The Bees Knees

Australia is home to over 1,700 unique bee species, making it likely that your dog will encounter one during a curious sniff session. Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, so it’s important to keep an eye out and guide your pup away from them while they’re buzzing about. Be aware that some native bees can sting more than once, and both humans and dogs can suffer severe allergic reactions to these stings.

Symptoms of a Sting

If your dog gets stung, it’s often on the area they were investigating, such as the muzzle, lips, inside the mouth, nose, or paws. It’s essential to monitor any swelling, as some dogs may have an allergic reaction that can cause dangerous swelling, potentially obstructing their airways. Keep in mind that this can happen even if the sting isn’t on the face.

Reactions to stings can vary—some dogs may have little to no reaction, while others may become unwell quickly. Watch for signs like localized or generalized swelling, drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, itching, lumps, hives, difficulty breathing, and even collapse. If stung on the paw, your dog might suddenly start limping on the affected leg.

First Aid Steps

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, even if you haven’t found the sting, seek urgent veterinary attention. Your vet will be able to locate and treat the sting once your dog is under their care.

If you witness the sting, you can try to remove it at home using a firm piece of cardboard or a credit card to gently scrape the stinger off the site. Avoid using tweezers, as this can cause more venom to be released.

Apply a cool compress to the area and keep your dog quiet and calm. Monitor your dog closely for the next 24 hours for any signs of a reaction. If your dog seems unwell or if anything unusual occurs, take them to the vet immediately.