Yeeeow! Nothing puts a full stop to a happy-yappy outdoor playtime like a wasp sting. It happens fast, and this quick encounter between your dog and a wasp can lead to unpleasant outcomes. There are symptoms you should watch out for and seek emergency vet care if you spot any signs.

Let’s explore the steps you should take following a wasp sting to ensure the safety and comfort of your canine companion.

Identifying wasps vs. bees

If you suspect your dog was stung by a bee, you can read about that here. You can also read what to do if your dog happened to eat a bee here. If you suspect it was a wasp that bit your dog, please read on!

Generally more aggressive than bees, wasps also have a trick up their wings. Unlike a bee, a wasp’s stinger does not fall out after one sting. Keeping the stinger, the wasp can perform multiple stings all at once!

You can identify a wasp from a bee by its appearance.

Features of wasps

• Thin, curved bodies

• Hairless; kind of shiny

• Black and yellow bands

• Aggressive

• A wasp nest look like they're made from gray paper

Features of bees

Because there are many types of bees, they vary in appearance. We'll provide some characteristics here:

• Most bees will have a fuzzy appearance

• Honey bees: hairy body and legs; gold and tan or brown stripes; nests have the traditional honeycomb appearance

• Bumble bees: wider body than most bees; a fluffy appearance; mostly black with yellow or gold tripes; nests can have a corn-kernal and melted caramel appearance

• Carpenter bee: fuzzy appearance; primarily black with wings that can vary from tan to blue

A dog may excessively lick the area of a wasp sting. This is just one sign your dog was stung. Read on to learn the symptoms and call or visit VEG ER for Pets if you spot any signs. Open 24/7.

Symptoms a dog may develop after a wasp sting

Now that we know what to look for, what happens when your dog gets stung? While often not life-threatening, a wasp sting can cause pain and, in many cases, require emergency veterinary attention. Although wasps inject less venom than bees per sting, wasps can give many more stings in a row within a short period of time, so let’s talk about what symptoms you’ll see. The sooner you identify what happened, the sooner you can get some relief for your poor pooch.

Identifying a wasp sting on your dog

Your dog may start excessively licking, biting, or scratching around the spot. You may see a tiny puncture wound from the stinger as well. This is the time to call VEG. Our emergency-trained staff is here 24/7 to provide urgent vet care if your dog was stung by a wasp.

Common vs. severe reactions to wasp sting

After a wasp sting, monitoring your dog's behavior and physical symptoms is vital. Common reactions include whimpering, restlessness, and discomfort. A mild reaction to a wasp sting often resolves on its own.

Common reactions in a dog from wasp sting:

• Discomfort; restlessness

• Excessive licking, biting, or scratching of affected area

• Itchy

• Reddened or swollen at the site

• Tender to the touch

• Whimpering

Severe reaction dog may have after wasp sting:

• Collapse

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty breathing

• Excessive drooling

• Swelling of the face or neck

• Vomiting

  
  

Is your dog allergic to wasp stings?

Like humans, some dogs can have allergic reactions to wasp stings, ranging from mild to severe. They may not be immediately apparent, but will increase over time. Allergic symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis

• Hives

• Redness all over the body

• Swelling

  
  

If you notice any of the symptoms above, immediate veterinary attention is crucial. The staff at your nearest VEG has the expertise to manage allergic reactions. We may administer antihistamines or steroids to reduce swelling and manage any discomfort with pain medications.

Help prevent wasp stings in dogs

Wasps can fly fast and as soon as you’re hearing their droning buzz, the damage is done. Still, there are some steps you can take to minimize the chances of your dog getting stung:

• Consistent training, using commands like "leave it" or "stay away," can help keep your dog safe from wasp encounters

• Try to keep them away from known wasp-infested areas

• Regularly check your yard for nests and have them safely removed by professionals

• During walks, keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from exploring risky areas

• Regularly dispose of garbage and keep outdoor eating areas clean. If you use wasp traps, place them away from areas where your dog usually plays or rests

  
  

Wasp sting? Give us a buzz—VEG is open 24/7 to help your dog

If you have any concerns about wasp stings and your dog, the team at VEG is just a phone call away. An emergency veterinarian will answer your questions and let you know if your dog is in an emergency situation from the sting. If you need to come in, we’ll triage your pet right away and you never have to leave their side.