July 26, 2025, 2:11 pm | Read time: 8 minutes

It happened while playing ball in the meadow—the blooming clover had attracted countless bees. Yumi ran, stumbled, and screamed. I immediately knew: The dog had been stung by a bee. As a beekeeper, I know that every minute counts now because the honeybee’s sting has barbs. If not removed, it continues to burrow into the skin and empties the entire venom sac.

Dog Stung by Bee or Wasp—What to Do Now

If a dog is stung by a bee, the first rule is: don’t panic! Many dog owners become stressed when their pet suddenly runs around screaming. Yumi is one of those dogs who is either very sensitive to pain or melodramatic—we haven’t quite figured it out yet. Getting caught up in this only makes the situation worse. It’s best to stay calm, take a deep breath, and approach the dog gently.

While wasp stings can be extremely painful, honeybees present an additional challenge: They tear out their entire sting apparatus, including the venom sac and nerve center, when they sting. This so-called “sting apparatus” continues to work independently, pumping more venom into the dog, so it should be removed as quickly as possible.

Removing the Venom Sting—Easier Said Than Done

Many veterinarians recommend removing the sting as soon as possible. However, this should not be done with bare hands, as this often crushes the venom sac, causing it to empty completely into the dog. It’s better to remove the sting at a shallow angle with a fingernail, tweezers, or the edge of a credit card. This should be done as soon as possible after the sting.

However, not every dog will easily allow the sting to be removed. Unlike children or other people, you can’t easily explain to a dog that they should stay still despite the pain and panic because you’re trying to help. With my dog Yumi, I had no chance. Additionally, she has long, thick fur, making it practically impossible to find and remove the sting. All I could do was comfort her.

How to Treat a Bee Sting

It’s often advised to cool the bee or wasp sting afterward. However, this should only be done if the dog tolerates it well. Cooling can sometimes intensify the pain. In my experience, wasp stings tend to hurt even more when cooled. Whether dogs feel the same way is speculative, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

Cooling pads from the refrigerator are suitable for cooling. If you don’t have any, you can also place cherry pit pillows in the freezer as a precaution. In a pinch, frozen peas will do. It’s important never to place cooling pads or similar items directly on the skin, especially for dogs with short fur. It’s best to place a piece of fabric in between; towels work particularly well for this.

Reducing Swelling When Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee

To reduce swelling and relieve pain, you can also treat the sting with ointments or creams. However, the dog should not lick them off. You can use:¹

1. Fenistil (or other products with the active ingredient dimetindene maleate): helps reduce itching
2. Hydrocortisone ointment: anti-inflammatory, relieves itching
3. Cooling gels
4. Aloe vera gel: cools and can support the healing process
5. Calendula ointment: anti-inflammatory

Life-Threatening Bee or Wasp Sting in the Mouth Area

Many dogs get stung by bees or wasps when they snap at the insects. But even while eating grass, a sting can quickly end up in the mouth if a bee or wasp is accidentally swallowed. Although wasps don’t collect nectar from flowers, they do collect water—especially in the morning when the grass is still wet.

Depending on how deep the sting is in the mouth or throat and how the dog reacts to the venom, it can quickly become life-threatening, as local swelling can lead to breathing difficulties. Since you can never be sure how a sting in the mouth will develop, the rule is always: go to the vet immediately. Even with stings in the neck or head area, it’s advisable to take the dog to the vet quickly, as even if there’s no immediate life-threatening situation, a sting on the head can cause the tissue to swell so much that the dog can’t see. With the right medication, this can be well controlled, but it should only be administered by a professional—the veterinarian.²

Secret Tip: Vanilla Ice Cream

Dogs shouldn’t really have ice cream. However, in the case of a sting in the mouth area, quick cooling can potentially save a life and prevent the airways from swelling shut. If possible, give your dog a pack of vanilla ice cream as soon as possible after the sting. It’s better to deal with diarrhea than to risk the dog suffocating after a sting.

Go to the Vet Immediately with These Symptoms

Even if the dog is “only” stung on the paw by a bee or wasp, it can be life-threatening, as our four-legged friends can also have allergic reactions, just like humans. An allergy is generally indicated when symptoms affect the entire body, not just the sting site. These include: ³

• Rash or hives: the skin (usually over the entire body) swells and shows severe redness. For dogs with thick, long fur, this is harder to detect, so pay special attention to the ears.
• Excessive drooling
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Seizures
• Circulatory problems: staggering, unsteady gait, stumbling
• Loss of consciousness: dog collapses
• Cold limbs, white mucous membranes⁴

All these symptoms indicate a systemic reaction and thus an allergy to bee venom. In the worst case, this can lead to anaphylactic shock. If your dog shows any of the mentioned symptoms, it’s crucial to go to the vet immediately!

By the way: An allergy to bee or wasp venom only shows up after the second sting. If the dog is definitely stung for the very first time in their life by a bee, wasp, or other related species, an allergic reaction is not expected.

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What to Do in Case of an Allergy to Bee or Wasp Venom?

The first symptoms of an allergic reaction usually appear shortly after the sting. They often affect the circulatory system, causing some dogs to be unable to walk or even collapse and lose consciousness. To prevent this as much as possible, you should go to the vet immediately at the first signs. The vet can treat the shock state and stabilize the circulatory system.

If a dog shows an allergic reaction, it should always be taken seriously, even if it’s “just” a rash. Allergies usually last a lifetime, and the symptoms can worsen over time. Owners of dogs allergic to wasp or bee venom should discuss this with their vet, who can prescribe emergency medication.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Being Stung by a Bee or Wasp

It’s almost impossible to prevent a dog from being stung by a bee while playing or walking across a blooming meadow. It’s recommended to walk when insects are less active. However, in summer, bees are already out in the early morning and continue collecting until dusk.

What can be effectively prevented is the dog being stung because it snaps at insects. Many dogs do this instinctively. Unfortunately, they rarely distinguish between a bee and a fly, although dogs can learn to differentiate. To be safe, it’s best to discourage this behavior.

Another risk factor is the water bowl. Thirsty bees or wasps might collect water here. Wasps also like to go for dog food. Therefore, it’s important to regularly check bowls, especially those outdoors.

Otherwise, keep an eye out when walking through meadows and fields. If the meadow is buzzing because the clover is blooming, it’s better not to walk or play ball there with the dog. The danger also lurks near water, as bees prefer to collect water from lakes or ponds, where our dogs also like to cool off, especially on hot days.