Urgent — same day vet contact
Allergic reactions can develop within 5–30 minutes
Dog stung by a bee or wasp
Remove the sting if visible (scrape, do not squeeze), apply a cold compress, and watch closely for facial swelling or breathing changes for 60 minutes.
Recognise the signs
- Sudden yelp followed by pawing at the face or licking a paw
- Localised swelling, often on the muzzle, lip, or paw
- Limping if stung on the foot
- Restlessness or whining
- Visible sting (bee only — wasps do not leave a sting)
First aid steps
- Locate the sting site and check for a visible stinger.
- If a stinger is present, scrape it out with the edge of a credit card or fingernail — do not squeeze with tweezers, which pumps more venom in.
- Apply a cold compress (frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
- If stung in the mouth or throat, head to the vet — airway swelling is dangerous.
- Sit with the dog and observe for 60 minutes.
Do NOT
- Do not squeeze the sting out with tweezers or fingers.
- Do not give human antihistamines without vet advice — some are safe at specific doses, others (decongestant-combined) are toxic.
- Do not apply vinegar, baking soda paste or other home remedies before checking with a vet — most provide no benefit.
- Do not ignore multiple stings — call the vet even if the dog seems fine.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Swelling around the muzzle, eyes, or throat
- Hives or raised lumps over the body
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, or sudden weakness
- Difficulty breathing or pale gums
- Collapse
- Multiple stings (even without visible reaction)
- Sting in the mouth or throat
Signs that can usually wait for a routine appointment
- A single sting on a paw or leg with mild local swelling and an otherwise bright dog can usually be monitored at home — but check in with a vet if not improving in 24 hours.
Common causes
- Snapping at flying insects in summer
- Standing on bees in lawns and clover patches
- Sniffing into wasp nests in sheds and woodpiles
- Multiple stings if the dog disturbs a nest
What the vet will need to know
- Type of insect if known (bee or wasp)
- Number of stings
- Location on the body
- Time elapsed since sting
- Any signs of allergic reaction
- Previous sting history and any prior reactions
- Dog's weight (for antihistamine dosing)
Aftercare
- Most single stings settle within 24 hours.
- If antihistamine is prescribed, give as directed and monitor for drowsiness.
- Keep the dog quiet for the rest of the day.
- Note the reaction in the dog's records — anaphylaxis risk rises with subsequent stings.
Prevention
- Discourage snapping at flying insects with reward-based training.
- Check long grass and clover patches before letting the dog off lead in summer.
- Inspect sheds, log piles and bin areas for wasp nests; remove professionally.
- If the dog has had a serious reaction before, ask the vet about an emergency adrenaline plan and a kit to keep at home.
Breed-specific notes
- Smaller dogs are at higher relative risk from a single sting due to body weight to venom dose ratio.
- Brachycephalic breeds with stings to the face have a narrower margin before airway compromise.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog Piriton?
Chlorphenamine (Piriton) is sometimes used in dogs at vet-directed doses, but should not be given without first checking with a vet, who will confirm the right dose for the dog's weight and ensure the formulation contains no other ingredients.
How do I tell a bee sting from a wasp sting?
Bees leave a barbed sting and die after stinging — check for a visible stinger. Wasps and hornets do not leave a sting and can sting repeatedly. Treatment is similar; both can cause allergic reactions.
My dog has been stung before with no reaction — is the next time safe?
Not necessarily. Allergic reactions can develop on second or later exposures, sometimes severely. Always observe carefully even if previous stings were uneventful.