“My dog ate a bee!” Bet you never thought you’d be uttering those words! Well, bee-lieve it or not, a curious canine chomping at a buzzing bee, and then accidentally swallowing the bee, is not as uncommon as you might think.

As a veterinary emergency center who sees and hears it all, we do get our share of “Help, my dog swallowed a bee” phone calls from worried pet owners just like you.

So, what’s a pup-parent to do when their mixed-up mutt snaps her jaws and ends up swallowing a bee that buzzed a bit too near? With apologies, here’s the buzz…

Is it dangerous if a dog eats a bee?

Yes, it can be. When it’s people getting stung by bees, our first thoughts are: “Am I allergic? Will this cause a severe reaction?” And honestly, it’s no different if your dog eats a bee or gets stung by a bee or wasp.

Signs and symptoms may arise that you need to be on the lookout for. If a bee stings your dog's tongue on the way down, the tongue could swell, causing difficulty in breathing. Additionally, if the bee stings a dog's throat and swelling occurs, it could obstruct their airway.

It's also possible that your dog may be allergic to bees and ingesting one could be problematic. That's why it's crucial to look for symptoms, which we'll discuss below, and seek emergency vet help asap if you spot any signs.

The good news is, your dog will very likely live through this ordeal. You just need to take the necessary precautions. As veterinary emergency experts, we’re here to guide you.

Lethargy is just one symptom that can affect a dog after ingesting a bee. Read our blog to learn the symptoms to watch for. VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 if your dog needs emergency vet care.

Can dogs be allergic to bees?

The short answer, yes. There are two outcomes if your dog swallowed a bee. One, she might experience a bit of discomfort. Or two, she could end up with a severe allergic reaction. That’s why you must monitor your dog closely, directly following the bee-eating incident.

Let's face it, between the fluttering and the buzzing, bees are sure to attract your naturally curious pet. We have some prevention methods in this blog that can help avoid stings and accidental ingestion of bees. But first, let’s fly through the steps you should take after your dog eats a bee. This way, you’ll know if you need to seek out emergency medical assistance from VEG ER for Pets.

What to do if your dog eats a bee

Observe your dog

Observe your canine’s condition directly following the incident, and after. He might seem slightly off, or experience minor irritation or discomfort.

If your dog starts showing more serious signs, that’s cause for concern and emergency medical intervention.

Look for signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs after swallowing a bee:

• Excessive drooling

• Pawing at the face or mouth

• Swelling in the mouth or throat area

• Lethargy

• Difficulty breathing; wheezing

• Stomach upset

• Weakness

Even if you don’t think your dog was stung by the bee that they ate, you don’t know what happened on the way down. It’s possible the bee stung the inside of your dog’s mouth or throat, which could cause adverse symptoms if they're allergic.

Call VEG ER for Pets

Severe bee allergy in dogs is possible, so be on alert! Don’t panic, but in more severe cases, allergic reactions to bee stings can escalate to more alarming symptoms. Take action and get to your nearest VEG hospital for your doggo’s health and safety if you see any of these symptoms below.

Severe symptoms to watch for after a bee sting:

• Difficulty breathing

• Diarrhea

• Extreme swelling

• General weakness or collapse

• Vomiting

Drooling is a sign of an allergic reaction after a dog eats a bee. If your dog needs emergency medical vet care, VEG emergency vets are available 24 hours every day to help.

Play it safe. Take your dog to VEG ER for pets

Even if your dog has only mild symptoms after ingesting the insect, don’t assume you’re in the clear just yet. Swelling in the throat can progress to airway obstruction.

If you wait, you could be looking at a late-night emergency. Even though every VEG animal hospital is open 24 hours, you need to act fast and take your dog to our ER vet as soon as you see symptoms.

Call an ER vet if your dog ate a bee

Better safe than sorry. If you see symptoms, you can call VEG anytime and speak with a veterinarian who will answer your questions. Once you talk with our VEG veterinary expert, you’ll probably feel more at ease about your dog’s having ingested a bee.

Again, if you see the hallmark symptoms of a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, extreme swelling, vomiting, or collapse, you should bring your dog to a VEG emergency vet center right away.

But if your pet seems calm, comfortable, and is breathing easy, you can too. Just remember, our veterinary medical experts are here to allay your fears and advise if you should come in.

But the best step is to take measures to prevent this from happening to your dog.

Prevention to help your dog avoid bees and other stinging insects

Bees are great for the ecosystem, sure. But if you can keep them away from your dog (and everyone else in your family), you’re better off. Below, some ideas for keeping bees at bay.

Monitor outdoor activities

Don’t leave your dog outside unattended; keep a close watch and try to steer him away from areas where bees gather.

Create safe play zones

Set up play areas away from flower beds and gardens, where bees are likely to be found.

Put a lid on trash bins

Bees enjoy buzzing around trash and recycling bins, especially if waste was left behind from sweet snacks and drinks. Close that lid!

Teach canine commands

Train your dog to respond to commands such as "leave it" to prevent her from interacting with or eating bees.

Regular dog training and reinforcement

Keep your furry friend current on commands with ongoing practice. Reward good behavior to be sure your dog will respond if the situation becomes critical.

Count on VEG for your pet's medical emergencies

Our expert vet team is ready 24/7, even on holidays, to provide rapid and compassionate emergency and urgent care. We’ll work swiftly to ensure your dog's safety and well-being, and you get to stay by your pet’s side the whole time.

Call your nearest VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospital whenever you need us. We're always available to provide expert care and support during pet emergencies. Contact us at the first sign of trouble to ensure your dog receives the help she needs. We’re dedicated to your pet's health and well-being, ready to assist whenever you need us. And that’s the buzz!