Warm weather brings out the bees and wasps, and curious dogs love to snap at anything that buzzes. Most stings are painful but harmless, and your dog will be back to normal within a few hours. The short answer: if your dog has been stung once on the body and seems otherwise fine, remove the sting if you can see it, cool the area, and keep a close eye out. But a sting in the mouth or throat, or any sign of a severe allergic reaction, is an emergency that needs a vet straight away.
I see plenty of summer dogs on the table with a puffy paw or a swollen lip, and the vast majority are absolutely fine. Knowing the difference between a grumpy sting and a genuine emergency is what matters most, so here is what to look for and what to do.
What to do if your dog is stung
If your dog yelps, starts licking or nibbling a spot, or you notice sudden swelling, they have probably been stung. Stay calm and work through this:
- Look for the sting. Bees leave their sting behind (wasps and hornets do not). If you can see it, scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card. Do not pinch it with tweezers or fingers, as that can squeeze more venom in.
- Cool the area. Hold a cold compress or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel against the spot for around ten minutes to bring the swelling down.
- Stop the itching and pawing. Distract your dog so they do not lick or chew the area raw.
- Do not give human medicines. Never reach for antihistamine tablets or creams without asking your vet first, as doses and products that suit us can be unsafe for dogs.
Vet note: Vets Now advise keeping a close watch for several hours after a sting. Most allergic reactions happen within ten minutes, but some are delayed, so do not assume the danger has passed just because the first few minutes were calm.
When a sting is an emergency
A small number of dogs react severely to stings, and this is called anaphylaxis. It can come on within minutes and it is life-threatening. Ring your vet or the nearest out-of-hours clinic immediately if you notice any of these:
- Swelling of the face, muzzle, eyes or throat
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or noisy breathing
- Pale gums, weakness, wobbliness or collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhoea shortly after the sting
- Widespread hives or lumps across the body
Do not wait to see if it settles. A dog in anaphylaxis needs veterinary treatment fast, so phone ahead and get straight in the car.
Stings in the mouth or throat
Dogs that catch a bee or wasp mid-air can be stung inside the mouth, on the tongue or down the throat. This is always worth an urgent vet call, even if your dog seems alright at first. Swelling in the mouth or throat can block the airway as it develops over the following minutes and hours, so this is one to take seriously rather than watch and wait.
Signs to look for include drooling, pawing at the mouth, gagging, a swollen tongue or lips, and any change in the sound of their breathing.
Stings on the paw
A paw sting is one of the most common I see, usually because a dog has trodden on a bee in the grass. You will often spot sudden limping, licking or a puffy pad. Check gently between the toes and pads for the sting and scrape it out if you find it. Cool the paw, discourage licking, and keep your dog quiet and rested. Most paw stings settle within a day, but call your vet if the swelling spreads up the leg, the paw stays sore, or your dog seems unwell.
Worth knowing: Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs already have narrow airways, so any swelling around the face or throat is riskier for them. Be extra cautious with these dogs and lean towards calling the vet early.
Frequently asked questions
My dog got stung by a bee, what should I do?
Scrape out the sting if you can see it (do not pinch it), hold a cold compress on the area for about ten minutes, and stop your dog licking it. Watch closely for several hours and call your vet if you see facial swelling, breathing trouble or collapse.
How do I know if my dog is having an allergic reaction to a wasp sting?
Warning signs of a serious reaction include swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, pale gums, vomiting, widespread hives, weakness or collapse. Any of these means you should contact your vet or an emergency clinic straight away.
My dog was stung in the mouth, is that dangerous?
Yes, treat it as urgent. Swelling inside the mouth or throat can develop over minutes to hours and affect breathing, so ring your vet for advice even if your dog seems fine at first.
Can I give my dog an antihistamine for a bee sting?
Not without asking your vet. Some human antihistamines are unsafe for dogs, and the right dose depends on your dog's size and health. Always phone your vet before giving any medicine.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. During grooming we often spot lumps, sore spots and irritated skin early, and we'll always flag anything that looks like it needs a vet. Book a calm, one-to-one groom.