All dogs are curious and just love to run and chase things…including insects! Most of the time, bee and wasp stings will only cause minor pain and irritation for your dog.
If stung several times or stung inside the mouth and throat, it can be dangerous and will require a trip to the vet. It's not the small puncture wound that causes the pain but the small amount of poison that is injected.
Which sting?
A bee's sting is barbed and designed to lodge in the skin, killing the bee when it detaches from the body and leaving the sting behind. Wasp stings are not barbed but are more painful, and if provoked these insects can sting multiple times.
Most of the time dogs are stung on their faces after investigating a stinging insect too closely. Stings on your dog's sensitive nose are particularly painful. Some dogs may even get stung on the tongue or inside their mouth or throat, if they try to bite or catch an insect. These stings can be dangerous as the swelling they cause can close the throat and block the airway.
Reaction
A severe reaction can be caused by a large number of stings or if the dog has an allergic response to the chemicals in the sting. Signs of a severe reaction include general weakness, difficulty breathing, and a large amount of swelling extending away from the sting site. Watch out for swelling around the neck, throat and head. If your dog is having a severe reaction, you should quickly take them to a vet.
Tasty Tips
A simple sting can be safely left alone and shouldn't bother your dog for long. If the sting is still present, try to remove it by scraping with a fingernail or a rigid piece of card. Avoid using tweezers or forceps to remove it unless absolutely necessary because this may squeeze more venom out of the sting.
Applying a weak mixture of water and baking soda to the affected area will help reduce the pain. You can also wrap ice or an ice pack in a towel and apply that to the wound to reduce swelling and ease any pain.
Keep an eye on your dog after being stung to make sure they don’t develop an allergic reaction. If, after several days, the swelling still persists, call your vet.
Related products
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for mature adult dogs from 7 years. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of adult dogs.
Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for growing puppies from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing dogs. Your puppy will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Adult Wet Dog Food with Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Beef & Turkey are complete premium pet foods for adult dogs from 1 year. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Related articles
Feeding your puppy
How, when and what to feed your new puppy is an important decision, learn more about the things to consider for feeding your puppy.
Dangers of Raw Diets for Dogs
Learn about the potential health risks of a raw diet for dogs and why they aren't the best option for your pup or you.
How to Feed a Fussy Eater Dog: Tips & Advice for Dog Picky Eaters
Learn effective tips for feeding a dog that's a picky eater and ensure proper nutrition for a finicky eater. Discover tips for pet parents at Hill's Pet UK.
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Dog
Many human foods are dangerous to dogs. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your dog - and how much it takes to hurt them.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.