Has your dog ever been stung by a bee? Dogs are prone to getting bee stings the more time they spend outdoors. But, how do you know whether or not a bee sting is something to worry about? While most dogs may only experience mild pain, bee stings can at times cause more serious reactions like severe swelling, pain and even anaphylaxis.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the common signs and symptoms of severe bee stings in dogs. By learning and understanding these, you can be on the lookout in the days following your dog’s bee sting for symptoms, and recognize signs of anaphylaxis before the problem gets out of control. Call or come in to your nearest VEG ER for Pets if your dog is displaying any of the symptoms below.

Symptoms of a Dog Stung by a Bee

Signs and symptoms that may develop after a bee sting include:

• Swelling at the site

• Fever

• Increased heart rate

• Restlessness or lethargy

• Swelling of the face or neck

• Difficulty breathing

In the following section, we’ll review these warning signs and symptoms of a bee sting on your dog. This will help you determine when it's an emergency.

Bee Sting on Dogs: 6 Signs and Symptoms

1. Swelling at the Site

One of the most common symptoms your dog may experience following a bee sting is swelling at the site of the sting. For example, if your dog stepped on a bee, your pup may sport a swollen paw. This is extremely normal and is not necessarily indicative of an anaphylactic reaction. However, it can be a sign that your dog’s body is having some difficulty handling the bee sting.

Mild swelling of your dog’s muzzle and face, even if it isn’t the location of the sting, and some pain can be also expected after a bee sting. This can be monitored at home to ensure the swelling doesn’t rapidly increase or start to spread.

If the swelling goes down within an hour or two, and if your dog doesn’t show any other symptoms on this list, they’re likely going to be just fine. However, if the swelling persists or worsens after a couple of hours, contact an emergency vet.

2. Fever

Many dogs run a low-grade fever along with a bee sting — just like many humans do. This symptom typically indicates a moderate-level sting but doesn’t always mean the situation is an emergency.

Unlike humans, a dog’s temperature can’t be detected by simply touching their skin because of their naturally higher body temp. Instead, look out for other accompanying symptoms, including lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and shivering.

If you do have the ability to check your dog’s temperature, try to get an accurate reading. If it’s above 106 degrees Fahrenheit, this means your dog has a serious fever and needs to see an emergency vet right away. If it is between 103ºF and 105ºF, continue monitoring closely and go to the vet if it rises or persists.

3. Increased Heart Rate

If your dog is suffering from a moderate to severe reaction to a bee sting, they may have an increased heart rate. This symptom accompanies a fever in most dogs.

It is relatively normal for your dog to have a slightly elevated heart rate for the first couple of hours following a bee sting, especially if the sting is painful or traumatic to them.

However, if the rapid heart rate lasts or if your dog shows other symptoms along with this one, it could be an indication of a bigger problem. An increased heart rate alongside a weak pulse, runny nose, itching, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure is a sign for you to seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

4. Restlessness or Lethargy

Some dogs who experience moderate to severe reactions to bee stings may become very restless. They may pace, pant and be unable to get comfortable. This is usually associated with trouble breathing, but it may also be a result of pain and swelling throughout the body.

On the other hand, some dogs may become very lethargic due to high fever and elevated heart rate. If your dog’s energy levels are drastically different in the hours following a bee sting, this may be a sign for you to head over to an emergency vet — especially if accompanied with other symptoms like facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea or weakness as it can be an indication of an anaphylactic reaction. This requires immediate veterinary attention as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.

5. Swelling of the Face or Neck

If your dog’s face, snout or neck begin to swell following a bee sting, this is a sign of a serious situation. Your dog is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction and needs to be seen by an emergency vet right away. If the swelling continues, it can block airways, leading to death.

Significant swelling alongside difficulty breathing, frequent vomiting, diarrhea and weakness can be an indication of a serious reaction which should be addressed by an emergency vet. 

Do not give your dog Benadryl or other over-the-counter human allergy medication for this symptom unless expressly told to do so by a vet. Contact your vet or an emergency vet before you bring your dog in to see them; they may want you to provide some medication at home first.

6. Difficulty Breathing

Finally, difficulty breathing is the most severe symptom of anaphylaxis that you should watch for in a dog that has been stung by a bee. While this is rare and commonly only occurs in cases of severe swelling of the face or nose, it should be monitored closely.

If your dog is showing signs of trouble breathing — including heavy movement of their sides while breathing, extreme panting and drooling, wheezing, or fainting — they need to see an emergency vet right away.

Difficulty breathing typically occurs within the first few minutes of a bee sting, if at all. However, it can potentially happen several hours or even a day later in some rare instances, so continue monitoring your dog until the bee sting starts to clear up.

What to do if your Dog was Stung by a Bee

If you’re able to pin-point the location of the sting, here are some things you can do to help at home:

• Carefully use tweezers to remove the remaining stinger

• Apply an ice pack for 5-10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling (do NOT apply ice directly to skin)

• Apply baking soda and water paste to the sting

• Ask your vet about giving your dog an oral antihistamine

• Provide your dog with fresh water

• Monitor closely

If you’re feeling uneasy about your pet’s bee sting or feel as though the symptoms are progressing, don’t hesitate to come in for closer observation and comprehensive veterinary care. 

Dog Stung by a Bee? Contact VEG 24/7

Call or walk in; no appointments needed or taken

As you can see, there are several crucial symptoms to watch out for when your dog has been stung by a bee. If your pet reaches day three after the bee sting and hasn’t shown any of these symptoms, then they’re most likely in the clear. However, you should continue to monitor until the sting itself goes away completely.

Questions? Contact VEG for more information. All of our locations are open 24/7 and our veterinarians are ready to help with any emergency situation. When you call one of our convenient VEG locations, you will speak directly to an experienced emergency vet who will guide you on the next steps to take for your dog’s bee sting.