Bee and Wasp Stings in Dogs and Cats: Signs, First Aid & When to Call the Vet

How pets get stung

Dogs often snap at flying insects and are stung on the muzzle, tongue, or paws. Cats may bat at bees near flowers or hunt wasps. Stings inside the mouth or throat are especially serious because swelling can block breathing.

Signs of a sting

• Sudden yelping or pawing at the face
• Swollen paw, lip, eyelid, or ear
• Red, raised bump at the sting site
• Licking or chewing one area obsessively
• Hives (raised bumps) on the body in allergic reactions

First aid for a mild sting

1. Stay calm — your pet may be frightened and painful
2. Remove the stinger if visible (bees leave one; wasps usually do not) — scrape sideways with a credit card
3. Cold compress wrapped in cloth for 10 minutes to reduce swelling
4. Prevent licking — an Elizabethan collar helps if they chew the area raw
5. Contact your vet for advice on whether antihistamines are appropriate — never dose human medicines without confirmation

When this is an emergency

Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice:

• Swelling of the face, neck, or throat
• Wheezing, coughing, or laboured breathing
• Pale gums, weakness, or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhoea after a sting
• Multiple stings (common when dogs disturb a nest)
• Sting inside the mouth or on the tongue

These may indicate anaphylaxis, which can progress rapidly. Early treatment saves lives.

Preventing stings

• Keep dogs on lead near known wasp nests or flowering hedges in summer
• Check eaves and garden sheds for nests before peak season
• Avoid strong perfumes or open sweet drinks at picnics where pets roam
• Teach a reliable “leave it” cue for curious dogs

Cats and stings

Cats usually receive fewer stings than dogs but can still react severely. A swollen paw or face warrants a vet call. Indoor cats are at lower risk but not immune if insects enter the home.

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