You’re sitting outside, soaking up a little sunshine while your pup bounces around the yard like they own the place. Then it happens. You hear a snap. You see a buzz. And you realize your dog just chomped a bee right out of the air.
Yikes.
If you’re like most dog parents, your heart skips a beat. Did they really just eat a bee? Is that dangerous? Should I call the vet? Or is it one of those weird dog things that passes like nothing ever happened?
Let’s talk about what to look out for, what’s normal, and when to panic a little.
How To Know If Your Dog Ate A Bee
Most of the time, if your dog grabs a bee, it’s not a full-on snack situation. It’s more like a game of catch that went sideways. But whether they swallowed the bee or it stung them inside the mouth, there are a few signs to watch.
Look for sudden pawing at the face, licking their lips nonstop, or a weird chewing motion. You might even hear them whining or yelping like something just went down wrong. If the bee was swallowed, you may not see anything on their face, but the inside of their mouth or throat could be affected.
Now if your dog’s face starts puffing up like a balloon, or their tongue or lips look swollen, it’s time to pay attention. Especially if they seem to be having trouble breathing.
Is It Dangerous If A Dog Eats A Bee
Here’s the deal. In most cases, it’s not deadly. Dogs eat all sorts of things they shouldn’t, and bees are no exception. The main issue is whether the bee stings on the way down, and whether your dog has an allergic reaction to it.
A single bee sting usually isn’t a huge deal for most dogs. It can hurt, it can swell, but it typically passes. The big concern comes with allergic reactions or if your dog eats a bunch of bees (like during a full-on backyard bug buffet).
Some breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, or Pugs can get into more trouble since their airways are already a bit more restricted. So if swelling starts, it can get serious faster than it would for other dogs.
Signs Of An Allergic Reaction After Eating A Bee
Not every dog reacts the same way. Some might not even flinch. Others? Total drama show.
Here are signs your dog might be having an allergic reaction:
- Swelling around the face, mouth, or neck
- Excessive drooling or licking
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Weakness or collapse
If you see any of those, especially breathing trouble, grab your keys and head to the vet. Do not wait it out.
What You Should Do Right Away
If your dog just ate a bee and seems okay, don’t freak out. Watch them closely for the next thirty to sixty minutes. Sometimes the reaction takes a little time to kick in.
Take a peek inside their mouth if they’ll let you. Look for any signs of swelling, redness, or hives. If they were stung, you might see a little bump or even the stinger.
If you do see a stinger, try to gently scrape it out with something flat like a credit card. Don’t pinch it with your fingers or tweezers unless you have to. You could accidentally squeeze more venom into the skin.
For minor swelling, you can apply a cold compress to the area. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel works wonders. Just hold it against the swelling for a few minutes at a time.
Some folks give their dog Benadryl, and yes, vets do sometimes recommend that. But always check with your vet before giving any meds. Dosage matters, and what’s safe for one dog could be dangerous for another.
When You Should Call The Vet
There’s no shame in calling the vet even if your dog seems fine. Peace of mind matters. But definitely call if you notice:
- Swelling that keeps getting worse
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting more than once
- Disorientation or wobbly walking
- Your dog seems way too tired or won’t get up
And if your dog has had reactions to bee stings before? Don’t wait. Call right away. Reactions can get worse with each exposure.
Can A Dog Swallow A Bee And Be Fine
Absolutely. Lots of dogs eat bees and live to bark about it. They might get a little sting in the mouth or even nothing at all. Dogs are tougher than we give them credit for sometimes.
Still, it’s never a bad idea to keep an eye on them and learn what your pup’s normal behavior looks like. That way, you’ll know if something’s off right away.
How To Prevent It From Happening Again
Some dogs just can’t resist chasing buzzing things. If yours is one of them, try to keep them distracted when you’re outside together. Toss a ball, play tug, or keep their focus on you.
Avoid letting your dog munch on flowers or sniff too close to bushes where bees might be hanging out. If you know certain areas of your yard are buzzing with activity, maybe block those spots off or only let your pup out with supervision.
You could even train your dog to “leave it” when they get too interested in flying snacks. It might not be perfect, but it helps.
Are Bees Poisonous To Dogs
Bees themselves aren’t poisonous, but their sting does contain venom. That’s what causes the pain and swelling. One sting is annoying. Multiple stings can be dangerous.
And if a dog tries to eat a wasp or hornet instead of a bee, you could be looking at a more intense reaction. Wasps can sting more than once and their venom can be nastier.
But again, one sting usually isn’t a reason to panic. Just monitor, comfort, and call your vet if anything looks out of the ordinary.
Can I Use Home Remedies For A Bee Sting In Dogs
You can try a few simple things at home if your dog isn’t showing any serious symptoms.
- Cold compress for swelling
- A dab of baking soda paste on the sting area (if you know where it is)
- Keep your pup calm and rested
But skip anything fancy or off-the-wall. Don’t put weird ointments or oils in their mouth, and definitely don’t try to force them to drink anything strange. When in doubt, call the vet.
Final Thoughts For Fellow Dog Parents
So your dog ate a bee. Wild, right? It sounds scarier than it usually is, and chances are your pup will be just fine.
Still, trust your gut. If something feels off or looks weird, it’s better to be safe and check in with your vet. You know your dog better than anyone.
At the end of the day, dogs are curious little weirdos. They’ll eat bees, sniff butts, and roll in dead stuff. It’s part of their charm.
Have you ever had a close call like this with your dog?