Wasp and Bee Stings in Dogs and Cats

What to Do if Your Pet is Stung by a Wasp or Bee?

1. Try to remain calm. Most wasp or bee stings do not require emergency treatment.

2. Look closely at the site to see if you can find the stinger in your pet’s skin. Use a magnifying glass and tweezers to remove the stinger if possible.

3. If you’re having difficulty removing the stinger, try gently scraping the skin with a blunt object, such as a credit card.

4. Do not squeeze the area, as this may release more venom into the tissues.

5. If you cannot find the stinger, don’t worry. It’s most likely fallen out on its own.

6. Clean the area with mild soap and water or a dilute chlorhexidine solution.

7. If your pet is in pain, you can cool the skin with an ice cube wrapped in a clean, moist cloth.

8. Prevent the animal from scratching or licking the area and causing further trauma.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian:

• If your pet was stung anywhere on the head, neck, nose, mouth or throat. There may be an increased risk for more severe symptoms.
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, eating or drinking
• Persistent pain, swelling, itching, or infection at the site of a suspected sting or bite
• If you have any concerns about your pet having a severe allergic reaction

How Will Your Veterinarian Treat Your Pet’s Wasp or Bee Sting?

Your veterinarian will carefully examine your pet to determine the severity of his allergic reaction. Most insect bites and stings can be treated topically with a corticosteroid cream or other pain/anti-inflammatory medication. Oral antihistamines or other medication may be prescribed.

Please note: It’s important to never give your pet any medication without consulting your veterinarian first.

If your pet has had an anaphylactic reaction, more aggressive treatments may be required. Your pet may be hospitalized for monitoring for 2-3 days. While the initial reaction may occur within a few hours of the sting, symptoms can recur or worsen over the next few days.

During this time, your dog or cat may be given medications to help with blood pressure and heart rate. She may also be given steroid and antihistamine injections. Intravenous fluids and oxygen support might be required. And blood and urine tests may be used to assess organ function.

Read more:

Vaccine Reactions in Dogs and Cats

Ditch the Itch: Skin Allergies in Dogs

Snake Bite Prevention and Treatment for Pets

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your pet’s bee sting or another condition?

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