Bee and Wasp Stings in Dogs and Cats: Signs, First Aid and When to See a Vet
Most bee and wasp stings in dogs and cats cause mild swelling that settles within a day, but some trigger a severe allergic reaction. Remove the stinger, apply a cool compress and watch your pet closely. Go to a vet immediately if your pet has trouble breathing, vomits, has pale gums or collapses. The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) warns that anaphylaxis is rare but can be fatal without immediate vet care.
In short: scrape the stinger out, cool the area, and watch for allergic signs for the next few hours.
Where pets get stung
Dogs and cats usually get stung when they chase, sniff or bite at insects. Greencross Vets says the most common sites are the face, lips, nose and paws. Cats are easy targets because of their hunting instincts. Pets that catch a bee can also be stung inside the mouth or throat, which is more dangerous.
Bee stings vs wasp stings
| Bees | Wasps | |
|---|---|---|
| Stinger | Lodges in the skin; the bee dies | Survives and can sting again |
| Number of stings | One per bee | Can sting repeatedly |
| Severity | Can still cause allergic reactions | More likely to be severe |
Signs of a mild reaction
According to Greencross Vets and the AVA, a mild reaction to bee and wasp stings can include:
- Swelling, redness and tenderness at the sting site
- Licking, chewing, pawing or scratching at the area
- Whining or crying
- Limping, if a paw was stung
- Hives, welts or itchiness
- Drooling
Greencross Vets says most stings resolve within 12 to 24 hours.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction
Go to your vet or an emergency vet straight away if you see:
- Extreme or spreading swelling, especially of the face or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Pale gums
- Dizziness or disorientation
- Collapse or not responding
Timing matters. Greencross Vets says allergic reactions most often occur within the first 20 minutes after a sting. The AVA notes that vomiting within 5 to 10 minutes of a sting can signal anaphylaxis. Less commonly, a delayed reaction appears about 3 to 4 hours later, so keep watching your pet for several hours.
5 first aid steps for bee and wasp stings
- Check your pet’s breathing and gums. If either looks wrong, skip the rest and go to a vet now.
- Remove the stinger. Scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a card. Don’t squeeze it with tweezers, because that can push more venom in. The stinger is tiny, not much thicker than a hair.
- Apply a cool compress. Wrap it in a thin towel and hold it on the area for 1 to 5 minutes. Repeat every 10 to 15 minutes over the first 1 to 2 hours.
- Keep your fingers out of the mouth. If your pet was stung inside the mouth, don’t reach in, because a pet in pain may bite. Call your vet.
- Watch your pet closely for new or worsening swelling over the next few hours. If your pet won’t let you handle them, leave them be but keep them in sight.
Your vet may give an antihistamine or pain relief injection. Ask your vet before giving your pet any medicine at home.
When to see a vet
- Immediately: any sign of anaphylaxis, a sting to the face or throat with breathing trouble, or a pet that has reacted badly to stings before.
- As soon as possible: constant licking of one spot, limping, unusual quietness, or any swelling that worries you.
- After hours: contact your nearest emergency vet.
How to prevent bee and wasp stings
Bees are most active in spring and summer, and Greencross Vets notes they can be found year-round in subtropical parts of Australia. To lower the risk:
- Discourage your pet from chasing or playing with bees.
- Keep pets away from flowering ground cover, flowering grasses and flowering trees.
- Pick up rotting fallen fruit, meat scraps and uneaten pet food, which attract wasps.
- Have hives and wasp nests removed by a professional.
- Supervise pets in unfamiliar outdoor areas with lots of flowers.
Your backyard can hide other summer hazards too. See our guides to keeping snakes away from dogs and heatstroke in dogs.
FAQ
How long does a bee sting reaction last in dogs?
Greencross Vets says most stings resolve within 12 to 24 hours. See a vet if swelling spreads or your dog seems unwell.
How soon after a sting does an allergic reaction start?
Allergic reactions most often start within 20 minutes of a sting. Less commonly, a delayed reaction appears about 3 to 4 hours later.
How do I remove a bee stinger from my dog or cat?
Scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a card. Avoid squeezing it with tweezers, which can push more venom in.
Are wasp stings worse than bee stings?
Often, yes. Wasps can sting repeatedly, so wasp stings are more likely to be severe. Bees sting once and leave the stinger behind.
Can I give my pet an antihistamine for a bee sting?
Ask your vet first. Vets may give an antihistamine or pain relief injection, but don’t give your pet any medicine without vet advice.
Be ready for the unexpected
A severe sting reaction can mean an emergency vet visit. Find out how dog insurance and cat insurance could help with unexpected vet bills.
Sources
- Australian Veterinary Association (Vet Voice): Pet stung by a bee or wasp
- Greencross Vets: Wasp and bee stings
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet. If you’re worried about your pet, contact your vet.