Just like humans, pets get stung by bees too and for those who have experienced a bee sting we know how painful it can be! Most of the time, pets will experience some localised pain and mild swelling that will go away after a short period of time. However, some pets can experience allergic reactions or severe inflammatory conditions that require immediate treatment.
It is more common for dogs to be stung by bees that cats. For dogs they can commonly get stung on the foot by a bee on the ground when walking, on the face when sniffing around the grass or on the mouth when chasing a flying bee. Cats commonly get stung when a bee flies inside and they want to chase and play with it.
How can I tell if my pet has been stung by a bee?
Sometimes it can be quite obvious that you pet has been stung by a bee when they yelp or cry out and start lifting up their foot up or rubbing at their face. Other times it can be less obvious. Not every pet will have the same reaction, but the reaction that your pet has will usually be the same with each sting episode.
Common signs your pet has been stung by a bee include:
Suddenly lame, especially if frantically licking or biting at foot
Suddenly yelps or whining
Suddenly starts rubbing face, especially upper lip
You see mild swelling at the site of the sting
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to a bee sting
Some pets can have an anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting. The signs of a more serious reaction to a bee sting include:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Weakness, disorientation or collapsing (even if they recover)
Excessive swelling, especially around face or throat
Pale gums
Salivating profusely
Difficulty breathing
If your pet is showing any of these signs, contact your vet immediately for emergency treatment.
What to do if your pet is stung by a bee
“If your pet is showing anaphylactic or serious signs, contact your vet immediately for emergency treatment.”
If your pet is showing mild symptoms you can:
Remove the stinger – look at the area your pet is paying attention to and see if you can find the stinger (usually on the foot or lip). Sometimes your pet may have already pawed it away. If you can see it, you can use a credit card, your fingernail or other stiff object to flick or scrape it away. Don’t squeeze or pull the sting out as this can release more venom.
Apply an ice pack – if your pet will allow you, gently apply an ice pack wrapped in a damp tea towel to the sting area. Remove it every few minutes to avoid frostbite. If the sting is on the mouth you can offer your pet an ice-cube or small amount of iced water. This can help to reduce pain and swelling.
Contact your vet – it is best to get in touch with your vet for further advice, especially for first time bites. They can run through your pet’s symptoms with you and suggest what to do next. They may also recommend allergy medication, depending on the reaction. Do not give any human medications you have at home unless instructed by your vet. Many are toxic to pets and can cause more harm to them.
Monitoring your pet after a bee sting
Keep an eye on your pet for the next 12-24 hours and contact your vet immediately if their condition becomes more serious.
Sometimes your pet can have a delayed reaction between 3-14 days after the sting. Whilst this is rare, it can be quite serious. If you notice any symptoms during this time such as vomiting, lethargy, bruising on gums or belly, blood in urine, skin lesions or swelling get in touch with your vet immediately.
Bees are helpful to the environment and pets are curious by nature. Bees won’t hesitate to sting any pet that noses up to them or disturbs their important work. So, keep an eye on your pet, especially when outdoors and contact us if you suspect your pet has been stung.