- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Oh, is there anything more sad and goofy than a dog who tried to eat a bee?
Of course, after a dog bee sting, it’s important to treat the wound and make sure our furry friends are comfortable. But after the vet has been called and the Benadryl has been slathered in peanut butter, what else is there to do but take a funny photo and commiserate with our injured hero?
These sweet dogs learned the hard way that bees are not food, and their owners recorded the moment for posterity. Check out these photos of dogs stung by bees (who all turned out fine in the end).
TKO
Scooby-Don’t
I’m Batman
He ate a ???????? pic.twitter.com/RPTQvBURRG
— Sarah Murphy (@Sas181) September 15, 2013
After all, she was just trying to save you from that buzzing, swooping invader!
Can you beelieve it?
Every golden is one beesting away from becoming Dug from the movie Up
A thread of dogs who tried to eat bees???????? pic.twitter.com/0F2xCKDdZ0
— Jamaa Flani???????? (@Miqwi) May 5, 2019
Big nose, big smile
At least he’s smiling
— Jamaa Flani???????? (@Miqwi) May 5, 2019
Just a little husky
You should see the other guy
— Jamaa Flani???????? (@Miqwi) May 5, 2019
Swelling like what is pictured here can be serious if untreated, so be sure and talk to your vet about the situation.
You’re still a pretty girl, Cocoa
Can’t this thing go any faster?
— Jamaa Flani???????? (@Miqwi) May 5, 2019
Why do dogs get stung by bees?
Well, they’re curious! When the weather is warm and the flowers are blooming, dogs’ noses and the fuzzy-yet-pointy butts of bees are sure to mingle— with mixed results. For some dogs, a bee sting is no big deal. For dogs with an allergy, crossing a bee’s path is anything but sweet.
If you see your dog suddenly swiping or rubbing her face, or furiously biting or licking her paw, take a second to check her over for an insect bite.
If your dog has been stung by a bee and you notice any of the following signs, do call your vet and discuss the situation.
- abnormal swelling
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- seizure
- difficulty swallowing
- dizzy or stumbling
- vomiting
Treating a dog bee sting
A good trick to remove the stinger is to scrape the skin with a credit card or your fingernail— if you can find it. The sooner the stinger can be removed, the less venom will get into your dog’s bloodstream.
Soothe a bee sting with a paste of baking soda with a little water. A cool bath with soothing oatmeal can help too. Try pulsing rolled oats in the food processor or blender to create a flour-like powder you can sprinkle into the bath water.
Your vet may give your dog an injection of corticosteroid and Benadryl to help reduce inflammation during a severe allergic reaction.
Some dogs just can’t resist chasing and catching bees in the garden. If your dog is crazy for the “spicy flies” and has a bad reaction to bee venom, your vet may suggest keeping an EpiPen on hand for emergencies. Epinephrine will quickly stabilize your dog but wears off quickly, so be sure and have a plan in place to get your dog to medical care in an emergency.
Further reading
Can I Give My Dog Allergy Medicine?
8 Tips and Tricks for Taking an Anxious Dog to the Vet
Dog Loves Going to the Vet So Much He Can’t Hold Still
