Wasp or Bee Stings in Dogs

We all know how dogs are — always running around and playing with anything that moves, even trying to catch it. This can be why our dog gets stung by a bee or a wasp in its mouth or elsewhere, with the unpleasant consequences that entails.

When our dog gets stung by these insects, the consequences can range widely in severity, from mild (a small, localized swelling) to very severe (airway obstruction or anaphylactic shock, with a risk of death). Knowing how to tell how severe a sting is will make a big difference, whether we need to rush to the vet or simply treat and clean the affected area to prevent the swelling from getting worse.

Below, at Soyunperro, we'll explain what we should do if a wasp or bee stings our dog, how to tell a serious situation from a mild one, and the possible dangers our dog could face.

A Wasp or Bee Has Stung My Dog Inside the Mouth

Although it may seem hard to believe, wasp or bee stings inside dogs' mouths are the most common of all, since, being flying insects, dogs try to catch them by biting.

When the wasp or bee feels threatened, its defense is simply to sting. Bees sting only once, since they lose their stinger and die, but wasps can sting multiple times.

The main problem with our dog getting stung in its mouth or larynx is that the swelling could obstruct its airway and make it hard for it to breathe, with the resulting risk of the dog suffocating. If this happens, or if we suspect it has, because we notice swelling in its mouth or throat, we need to see a vet clinic urgently for treatment.

Normally, a dose of corticosteroids or antihistamines is given intravenously, with methylprednisolone (Urbason®) usually being the most suitable choice in these cases. The same needs to be done if our dog shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, and weakness, which could indicate anaphylactic shock.

So, if we see these symptoms clearly, it's important to take it seriously and see the vet so they can give it the necessary treatment.

My Dog Has Been Stung on the Head, Snout, or Body

If a bee or wasp stings your dog on its head, whether on the snout or in the upper part of the head or ear, it will most likely suffer a localized swelling or allergic reaction (angioedema), and the same will happen if it's stung anywhere else on its body.

What we should do is wash the area with soap and water and disinfect it afterward. We shouldn't panic — just assess the dog's condition. Normally, the swelling will gradually go away over the following days, more or less quickly depending on where it was stung, but if we notice the dog starting to feel unwell and the swelling keeps increasing, or we simply notice the dog acting "off," we need to see the vet.

Some dogs are allergic to wasp and bee venom, which can be fatal if not treated in time. Very small dogs can be more affected, so even if they're not allergic, they should be treated all the same.

Just stay calm and assess your dog's condition — you can even take photos with your phone to compare the swelling's progress over time and act accordingly. If the sting is outside the mouth, it usually isn't dangerous, but as you can see, some dogs will need veterinary care too. Although it may sound obvious, generally, the more stings our pet has suffered, the more severe its condition will be.

Home Remedies for Wasp and Bee Stings in Dogs

We stress again that there are no magic home remedies that can help your dog if it needs veterinary attention because it's developing serious symptoms from a wasp or bee sting.

However, if your dog doesn't show severe symptoms, there are some tips you can put into practice to reduce swelling from the sting:

• Put your dog in the shade — this will help reduce the swelling faster.
• Clean the area of the sting and remove the stinger if it's a bee sting (wasps normally don't leave a stinger behind). To do this, avoid using tweezers, since this can release more venom — instead, it's better to scrape it out with a fingernail or a blunt object (like a card).
• Contrary to what some sources claim, there's no evidence that applying ammonia to an insect sting helps reduce swelling.
• Put a cloth soaked in cold water on the swollen sting. You can also use ice wrapped in a cloth (not directly on the skin) to cool the swollen area.
• Take photos of the sting and check on your dog every hour to track its progress and make sure it's not getting worse.