My Dog Ate a Bee, Should I Go to the Vet?
It’s not unheard of for dogs to eat bugs. In fact, some insects like the black soldier fly larvae can be a great source of protein.
Having said that, not all bugs are safe; some can be harmful. Take ladybugs, for example, while they’re not poisonous, they secrete a substance that can be very irritating to the mouth.
Bees are another example. While they’re essential to the planet, they’re not something your dog should be ingesting.
If it does happen, however, it’s crucial to take the proper steps, which we will be outlining below.
My Dog Ate a Bee…What Should I Do?
1. Check Your Dog’s Mouth
Try your best to stay calm. Dogs can sense what their owners are feeling and if you panic, that can make them panic too.
Once you’ve taken a deep breath, take a good look inside their mouth. You want to check for any signs that the bee may have stung inside their mouth or gums.
If you see a stinger, remove it as soon as possible. We recommend scraping it out with the edge of a card or another flat object. Avoid using tweezers as you may accidentally squeeze more venom into the skin, which will worsen the situation.
2. Monitor and Go to the Vet If Necessary
Monitor your dog closely if they were stung by the bee. If they’re allergic, symptoms can develop quickly, usually within an hour.
If they experience difficulty breathing, swelling, drooling, or vomiting, take them to the vet right away. Bring them to the emergency vet if you have to. They will be able to stabilize your pet’s condition by administering medications and fluids.
Don’t wait around as the situation can escalate quickly and become life threatening without immediate medical intervention.
Even if your dog wasn’t stung, keep a close eye on them as you never know how they may react to the bee.
3. Continue to Monitor
Keep a close eye on your dog for the next 24-48 hours.
If your vet prescribed medications such as antihistamines or steroids, make sure to follow the dosage instructions and give them to your pet as directed.
You also want to monitor your dog for any delayed symptoms. For example, some dogs may experience vomiting or diarrhea hours after eating the bee.
Depending on the severity, you may need to bring them back to the vet for treatment.
If they are eating, drinking and acting normally, however, they’ll likely be fine.
4. Keep Your Dog Comfortable
Let your dog rest in a quiet, comfortable area – they’ll likely be tired from the ordeal.
Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and food but don’t force them to eat if they’re not feeling up to it. For example, they might not have an appetite if they have an upset stomach, which isn’t uncommon after eating a bee.
Preventing Future Bee Encounters
Some dogs will learn to avoid bees if they have had a negative experience with one. However, that’s not always the case.
For example, dogs with strong prey drives are instinctively drawn to fast-moving objects and may go after them again.
At the end of the day, it depends on the individual pup and their temperament. Having said that, there are steps you can take to prevent future mishaps.
Be Vigilant Outdoors
Keep a close eye on your dog when they’re outside. This is especially true for young puppies as they often have boundless energy and curiosity.
It’s also important to keep them on a leash so you can guide them away from flowering plants and flying critters.
Teaching your dog a ‘leave it’ command can also come in handy in preventing unwanted encounters.
Avoid Flowering Plants
Bees are naturally drawn to flowers. If you keep your dog away from them, the chances of an encounter will be much lower.
This means staying away from flower beds, gardens, and other areas with flowering plants. Not only will it keep the bees away but It will also prevent your pet from coming into contact with toxic plants.
Use Physical Barriers
For those with a flower bed, consider installing a physical barrier to keep your pup away from the bees.
For example, you can use wire fencing, mesh netting or garden mesh.
Using a raised flower bed – ideally one with a retaining wall – is another option. It’ll make it harder for your dog to get to the plants while bees will still be able to visit the flowers.
Maintain the Yard
Make sure to keep the yard well maintained if that’s where your dog likes to run and play. This means removing weeds, fallen fruit, and other sugary substances that can attract bees.
You can also discourage bees from visiting by eliminating standing water as they are naturally drawn to water sources. If you have a pool or a fountain, consider covering it when it’s not in use.
Any trash cans in the yard should also be closed securely to prevent food waste from attracting critters.
