Wasp or Bee Sting in Dogs and Cats

It is not only people who get stung: dogs and cats frequently cross paths with wasps and bees as well, usually because they curiously snap at the insects. This article is not a substitute for veterinary advice.

Typical sting sites and signs

In dogs and cats the sting site is often on the face, the muzzle, inside the mouth or on the paws. Signs of a sting include sudden shaking of a paw, limping, licking or nibbling at one spot, visible swelling, as well as a brief yelp or restlessness. With stings on the face, the muzzle often swells noticeably.

What you can do straight away

Cool the affected area gently, for example with a cold pack wrapped in a cloth — animals do not always tolerate cold willingly, so proceed carefully. A visible bee sting can be carefully scraped out sideways with a card. Watch the animal closely over the following hours, paying particular attention to breathing, behaviour and how the swelling develops.

When to see a vet

Contact a vet immediately if:

• the sting is in the mouth or throat area
• your animal shows breathing difficulty, heavy drooling or retching
• the swelling spreads considerably or affects the eye
• vomiting, diarrhoea, severe restlessness or circulatory weakness occur

Small dogs and cats are more sensitive to the amount of venom than large dogs because of their lower body weight. If there are several stings at once, for instance after an attack on a nest, a veterinary check is especially important, even if no obvious symptoms are apparent at first.

Bee sting or wasp sting in an animal?

As in humans, only a bee sting leaves the sting and venom sac behind. You can read more about the difference between the two insects and how to remove the sting correctly in our guide “Bee sting or wasp sting?”. Basic information on what to do after a sting — which applies to animals in much the same way — can be found in the pillar guide “Wasp sting — what to do?”.