Last Updated: 25/08/2026
Bee and Wasp Stings in Dogs
Dog stung by a bee or wasp? Learn how to tell a mild sting from a dangerous allergic reaction, how to treat it at home, and when it's time to see the vet.
Author: Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
You've probably seen a photo of a dog post-bee sting, the "cute" ones with their whole face swollen up. That swollen face is actually typical of a severe allergic reaction, and though not all dogs will swell up like that, and it's worth knowing what a milder, more common sting actually looks like too.
Bees and wasps belong to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes ants. Hymenoptera stings account for most of the insect stings/bites we see in our patients. Most dogs stung once by a bee only need simple first aid, removing the stinger and applying a cold compress, but any dog with facial swelling, vomiting or difficulty breathing after a sting needs emergency vet care straight away.
Spring and summer are when we see a sharp rise in bee and wasp stings, with flowers blooming and dogs going nose first into garden beds. See our spring pet care tips for other seasonal hazards to watch for. For other types of bites and stings, see our guide to Insect Bites on Dogs.
What are the signs of a bee or wasp sting?
Most dogs who are stung will present with signs including:
- Yelping, whining or limping due to pain
- Licking, chewing, scratching or pawing at the bite site
- Redness and swelling of the bite site
- Hives
- Pain when touched
- Swelling
- Drooling
- Full body itch
- A visible sting or stinger
Curious pups tend to get stung on the muzzle or a paw, from sniffing at a bee in the garden or snapping at one out of curiosity. Face and paw swelling is the presentation we see most often.
How do I treat a bee or wasp sting at home?
- If a bee has left a stinger behind, scrape it away using a credit card or fingernail rather than tweezers. Squeezing the stinger can inject more venom if the venom sac is still attached.
- Apply a cool pack or frozen veggies wrapped in a towel for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling, and try to stop your dog licking or chewing the site to avoid secondary infection - an Elizabethan collar or pet t-shirt can help.
- Keep an eye on the area for the next 24 hours. Most reactions happen quickly, but some can be delayed.
When is a bee or wasp sting an emergency?
Dogs can have a severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction to a bee or wasp sting, and this is always a medical emergency. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if your dog shows any of these signs:
- Swollen face, neck or limbs
- Welts or hives all over the body
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Whole body itching
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Inappetence
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Pale gums
- Dizziness or a staggered gait
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
Signs of an allergic reaction typically show up within 20 minutes of a sting, though a delayed reaction can occur up to 4 hours later. If you see any of these signs at any point, seek immediate veterinary attention rather than waiting to see if it passes.
How long does a sting take to heal?
Most bee and wasp stings settle down and your dog will be back to normal within 12 to 24 hours. If symptoms are hanging around longer than that, it's best to get them checked. If your dog needed vet treatment for a more severe reaction or anaphylaxis, recovery may take longer than 24 hours.
FAQs
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 25 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Veterinarian
Dr. Brittany graduated from James Cook University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and started working in her home town in the Wide Bay-Burnett Region. She has always been excited about working in the veterinary industry, but over the last few years has grown especially fond of dog behaviour and training, surgery and orthopaedic disease.
