It takes exactly one second for a sun-drenched afternoon to go sideways. One moment, your dog is nose-deep in the clover, tail-waggingly obsessed with a buzzing visitor, and the next, a sudden yelp tells you something went wrong.
Bee stings are common in curious dogs, especially during spring and summer when pollinators are most active. The good news is that most bee stings cause only temporary discomfort but knowing how to respond quickly can prevent complications and keep your dog comfortable.
How to Tell If Your Dog Was Stung by a Bee
Dogs often get stung when they snap at, step on, or sniff bees too closely. Common sting locations include the paws, face, and inside the mouth. Your dog may not always yelp at the moment of the sting, so watch for these behavioral cues:
Sudden pawing at the face or mouth
Limping or holding up a paw
Whining or signs of discomfort
Licking or chewing at one specific spot
Visible swelling or redness
Symptoms typically appear within minutes of the sting, though swelling may continue to develop over the first hour.
Symptoms by Sting Location
Sting Location | Common Symptoms | Severity Level |
Paw | Limping, licking paw, swelling between toes | Usually mild |
Face/Muzzle | Facial swelling, pawing at face, swollen eye | Moderate (monitor closely) |
Mouth/Tongue | Drooling, difficulty swallowing, swollen tongue | Higher risk (airway concern) |
Throat | Difficulty breathing, gagging, panic | Emergency (seek vet immediately) |
Bee Sting vs. Wasp Sting: What's the Difference?
Understanding which insect stung your dog helps determine the right treatment approach. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, honeybees have barbed stingers that detach after a sting, while wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets have smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times.
Feature | Honeybee | Wasp/Hornet |
Stinger left behind | Yes (with venom sac) | No |
Can sting multiple times | No (dies after stinging) | Yes |
Venom type | Acidic | Alkaline |
Home remedy | Baking soda paste | Diluted vinegar |
If you find a stinger, it was a bee. If there's no stinger and multiple sting sites, a wasp or hornet is the likely culprit.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Stung by a Bee
Quick action can minimize pain and reduce the risk of a more serious reaction. Here's how to treat a dog bee sting at home:
Step 1: Stay calm. Your dog will pick up on your energy. Speak in a soothing voice and move deliberately.
Step 2: Locate the sting site. Check the muzzle, paws, and inside the mouth. Look for swelling, redness, or a visible stinger.
Step 3: Remove the stinger (if present). Use the edge of a credit card or your fingernail to scrape the stinger out in a sideways motion. Don't use tweezers or pinch the stinger, as this squeezes more venom into the skin.
Step 4: Clean the area. Gently wash with mild soap and water if possible.
Step 5: Apply a cold compress. Wrap ice in a towel and apply to the sting site for 10 minutes. This reduces swelling and numbs the pain. For bee stings specifically, a paste of baking soda and water can help neutralize the acidic venom.
Step 6: Monitor your dog closely. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction for at least an hour. Most mild reactions peak within 30-60 minutes.
What NOT to Do
Don't squeeze or pinch the stinger with tweezers
Don't give human pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (these are toxic to dogs)
Don't ignore symptoms that are getting worse
Don't assume a mild reaction means your dog is in the clear (delayed reactions can occur)
Dog Stung by Bee on Face or in Mouth
Face and mouth stings require extra attention because swelling in these areas can affect breathing. A dog stung by bee on the face often develops dramatic swelling around the muzzle and eyes, which looks alarming but isn't always dangerous. However, a sting inside the mouth or on the tongue is more serious. Swelling in these areas can obstruct the airway. Signs of a mouth sting include:
Excessive drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Swollen tongue
Retching or gagging
If your dog was stung in the mouth, offer an ice cube to lick. The cold helps reduce swelling. Monitor breathing closely and head to the vet if you notice any labored breathing or your dog seems distressed.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Bees?
Yes, dogs can develop allergies to bee venom, just like humans. Allergic reactions range from mild sensitivity to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Some breeds, including Terriers and Boxers, may be more prone to allergic reactions, though any dog can be affected.
Here's the tricky part: your dog may have no reaction to their first sting but develop a severe allergy to subsequent stings. This is because the immune system becomes sensitized after initial exposure. Each subsequent sting can trigger a stronger response.
Mild vs. Severe Allergic Reactions
Mild Reaction | Severe Reaction (Emergency) |
Localized swelling at sting site | Widespread hives or swelling |
Mild redness | Facial swelling affecting eyes/throat |
Some itching | Difficulty breathing or wheezing |
Slight discomfort | Vomiting or diarrhea |
Normal energy and behavior | Pale gums or weakness |
Resolves within hours | Collapse or loss of consciousness |
A massive number of stings can also be life-threatening regardless of allergy status. If your dog disturbs a hive and receives multiple stings, seek emergency care immediately.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl for a Bee Sting?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is commonly used to manage mild allergic reactions in dogs, but you should always contact your veterinarian or PawSupport before giving any medication. Benadryl can help reduce swelling and itching from a bee sting, but it won't stop a severe anaphylactic reaction.
Important warnings:
Use plain Benadryl (diphenhydramine only). Products containing decongestants like Benadryl-D are toxic to dogs.
Never give Benadryl to dogs with glaucoma, heart disease, or high blood pressure without vet approval.
Benadryl causes drowsiness, which is normal.
This is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care if your dog is having a severe reaction.
Benadryl Dosage for Dogs
Dog Weight | Benadryl Dose (25mg tablets) | Notes |
Under 10 lbs | 1/4 tablet (consult vet first) | Puppies need vet guidance |
10-25 lbs | 1/2 tablet | ~1mg per pound |
25-50 lbs | 1 tablet | Standard dose |
50-75 lbs | 1.5 tablets | |
Over 75 lbs | 2 tablets | Maximum typical dose |
When to Go to the Emergency Vet
Some situations require immediate professional care. Don't wait or try home treatment if your dog shows any of these signs:
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Severe swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
Collapse or extreme weakness
Pale or white gums
Vomiting or diarrhea that starts suddenly after a sting
Multiple stings (especially 10 or more)
Sting inside the throat
Previous severe reaction to stings
Symptoms that worsen despite home treatment
At the emergency vet, treatment may include injectable antihistamines, corticosteroids, IV fluids, and in severe cases, epinephrine. Dogs with a history of severe reactions may be candidates for an emergency epinephrine prescription.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Understanding the normal recovery timeline helps you know what's concerning versus what's expected.
Timeframe | What to Expect |
0-30 minutes | Initial pain, redness, swelling begins |
1-2 hours | Swelling peaks, discomfort may increase |
2-6 hours | Swelling stabilizes, pain decreases |
12-24 hours | Significant improvement in most cases |
24-48 hours | Swelling mostly resolved |
2-3 days | Full recovery for mild stings |
If swelling continues to worsen after 2 hours, or if your dog seems increasingly uncomfortable rather than better, contact your veterinarian.
How Much Does Bee Sting Treatment Cost?
Treatment costs vary widely depending on severity and whether emergency care is needed.
Treatments for Bee Sting in Dogs | Estimated Cost |
Home treatment (OTC Benadryl, ice) | $5-15 |
Non-emergency vet visit | $75-200 |
Emergency vet visit (mild-moderate reaction) | $200-500 |
Emergency vet visit (severe/anaphylaxis) | $500-2,000+ |
Overnight hospitalization | $1,000-3,000+ |
Emergency visits for bee stings can add up quickly, especially if your dog needs IV fluids, injectable medications, or overnight monitoring. Dog insurance can help cover unexpected emergencies like severe allergic reactions, so you can focus on your pet's care rather than the cost.
Preventing Bee Stings in Dogs
While you can't completely protect your dog from bees, you can reduce the risk:
During walks:
Avoid fields of wildflowers during peak bloom
Keep your dog on a leash near flowering plants
Walk during early morning or evening when bees are less active
Teach a solid "leave it" command
In your yard:
Check for ground nests before letting your dog play
Remove fallen fruit that attracts bees
Cover trash cans and recycling bins
Consider planting bee-friendly flowers away from dog play areas
General tips:
Avoid using sweet-scented products on your dog
Don't leave sugary drinks or food outside
If you spot a hive, call a professional for removal
Bees are vital pollinators, so the goal isn't to eliminate them from your property. Instead, create separate zones where your dog can play safely while bees do their important work elsewhere.