Dogs, bees, and wasps rarely mix well. When your curious pup decides to sniff these stingers, it usually ends with an ouch and a yelp.
Your dog’s adventurous nature doesn’t exactly impress bees and wasps. A sting brings a tender nose and a bruised doggie ego. But staying prepared is best! Here’s when first aid helps, what to watch out for, and when the vet is a must.
- What happens when a dog gets stung?
- Can bee or wasp stings trigger allergies in dogs?
- What if the sting is on the head, mouth, or nose?
- Should I go to the vet?
- How to care for a bee sting at home
- Does Knose Pet Insurance cover bee and wasp stings?
What happens when a dog gets stung?
Dogs, with their playful spirit, see anything small and buzzing as either a snack or a toy. They may soon find out the hard way that bees and wasps are not that friendly after all. Reactions to stings vary by sensitivity, sting location, and number of stings.
When a bee stings a dog, it happens only once because the bee’s stinger gets stuck in the skin and detaches. In some cases, you may even spot the stinger still lodged in your dog’s skin. Wasps don’t lose their stinger, so they can sting multiple times, causing quick swelling and redness without leaving a stinger.
With noses as their guide, dogs often take stings straight to the face. Paws are a close second, as some pups will dig at nests. Dogs can also chase and eat bees, which often leads to sore mouths and some very drooly regrets.
For most dogs, a sting results in the following:
- Localised swelling and redness
- Mild pain or tenderness
- A bit of licking or pawing at the spot
Can bee or wasp stings trigger allergies in dogs?
Some dogs are extra sensitive and can trigger an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. It’s more likely if they’ve been stung before or get hit with multiple stings at once. More venom may mean a bigger reaction.
Physical signs your dog is going into anaphylactic shock may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Pale gums
- Cold extremities
- Seizures
- Coma
💡 If anaphylaxis shock happens, it is a medical emergency. Contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
What if the sting is on the head, mouth, or nose?
Call your vet right away if your dog shows coughing, excessive drooling, or any trouble breathing. Facial stings require closer attention since swelling in these areas can interfere with breathing or swallowing.
Some puffiness is expected but don’t worry! Apply a cold compress for 10 minutes to help reduce the swelling.
Should I go to the vet?
Most stings cause only brief discomfort, but if your dog’s face balloons up, they drool excessively, or they struggle to breathe, go straight to the vet.
And if your dog stumbled into a hive and looked like they picked a fight with a porcupine? That’s also an emergency. Multiple stings may mean a lot of venom.
How to care for a bee sting at home
One sting on the body (not the face or mouth) can sometimes be treated at home if your dog seems otherwise fine (if in doubt contact your veterinarian). Dogs often get themselves into little adventures, which is simply a part of their natural behaviour.
A sting can catch your dog off guard. Here’s how you can give your dog immediate relief:
- Get the stinger out and scrape with a flat card or your fingernail. Don’t squeeze as this can release more venom.
- Use soap and water to clean the area that’s been stung.
- Reduce the swelling with an ice pack or damp towel for 10 minutes.
Your dog isn’t off the hook just because they seem fine right after getting stung. Keep monitoring for symptoms that don’t immediately show up. Some reactions are sneaky! If anything happens in the next 24 hours, your vet needs to know.
Does Knose Pet Insurance cover bee and wasp stings?
Yes, Knose Pet Insurance has your pup’s back if they get a little too nosey with a bee or wasp. A single sting may be considered an injury which is subject to a 1 day Exclusion Period. Knose also covers insect allergies, poisoning, and swallowed objects, as long as these aren’t Pre-Existing Symptoms and Conditions.
If your dog develops an allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis or needs follow-up care, those costs may also be covered under treatment, depending on your policy.
The last buzz
Bee and wasp stings are never fun, but most of the time they’re more bark than bite. With a little care, your pup will be back to buzzing around in no time.
Still, stings can sometimes turn from a small ouch to a bigger problem. Keep an eye out for any worrying signs, and if you’re unsure, don’t wing it! Make a beeline for the vet. Better a quick check-up than a sting in the tail later.
Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Ranzel
Ranzel is a perpetually caffeinated logophile whose work as a Knose freelancer revolves around pets. She’s an advocate for the furred, feathered, and finned. A cat mum by fate, and a full-time sitter to an ever-growing crew of adorable strays.
