Insect Stings in Cats and Dogs: What to Do and When to Seek Help Emergency Vet Advice

The signs of an insect sting can vary depending on where your dog or cat has been stung and how they react to the venom. 

Common signs include: 

• Sudden yelping or signs of pain 

• Licking, chewing or pawing at the affected area 

• Redness or swelling around the sting 

• A raised, painful area of skin or hives 

• Swelling of the face, lips or muzzle 

• Limping if a paw or leg has been stung 

• Drooling, particularly if the mouth has been stung 

Some animals may develop a more severe allergic reaction, which can cause widespread swelling, vomiting, weakness, collapse or difficulty breathing. 

Most insect stings are mild, but occasionally they can cause a serious reaction. Seek urgent veterinary advice if your dog or cat develops rapid or severe swelling, particularly around the face or neck, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, weakness or collapse. 

Stings in or around the mouth or throat should also be treated as urgent because swelling in this area can affect breathing. 

You should contact your veterinary practice promptly if your pet has been stung multiple times, appears to be in significant pain or distress, or you are concerned about how they are responding to a sting. 

Even if none of these signs are present, reactions can occasionally worsen or develop over time. If you have any concerns about your dog or cat after an insect sting, or simply feel that something is not right, contact your veterinary practice for advice. 

Your veterinary surgeon will usually diagnose an insect sting based on your description of what happened and your dog or cat's clinical signs. You may have seen the insect sting your pet or noticed a sudden reaction while they were outdoors. 

Your veterinary surgeon will examine your pet and assess the affected area, as well as checking for signs of a more widespread or severe reaction. 

Further tests are not usually needed but may be recommended if your pet is very unwell or another cause for their symptoms is suspected. 

Treatment will depend on the location of the sting and how your dog or cat is affected. Mild reactions may only require monitoring and treatment to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. 

If your pet has a more significant reaction, your veterinary surgeon may recommend medication to control pain, swelling or an allergic reaction. Animals with severe reactions may need more intensive treatment and monitoring. 

If a bee sting is visible, the stinger may still be present and can sometimes be removed. Your veterinary surgeon will advise you on the safest approach. Do not delay seeking veterinary advice if your pet is showing signs of a severe reaction. 

It is not always possible to prevent insect stings, particularly in curious dogs and cats that spend time outdoors. However, you can reduce the risk by discouraging your pet from chasing or playing with bees, wasps and other stinging insects. 

Take extra care in areas where stinging insects are likely to be present, particularly around flowering plants, rubbish bins and food. 

If your dog or cat has previously had a severe reaction to an insect sting, speak to your veterinary surgeon about the risk of future reactions and what to do if they are stung again. 

Most dogs and cats recover quickly and completely from an insect sting, particularly when the reaction is mild and localised. 

The outlook may be more guarded if your pet develops a severe allergic reaction, has been stung multiple times, or has been stung in or around the mouth or throat. Prompt veterinary treatment is important in these situations. 

Your veterinary surgeon will advise you on your pet's individual recovery and whether any further monitoring or treatment is needed.