Dogs are curious. They love to run and chase things including insects, which in some cases protect themselves by stinging the dog.
Multiple stings are dangerous. Most of the time, an insect sting is just painful and irritating for your dog. Getting stung several times, or stung inside the mouth or throat, is dangerous and requires a trip to the veterinarian.
Bee and wasp stings are poisons. The two most common types of stinging insects are bees and wasps. It’s not the small puncture wound that causes the sting's pain, but the small amount of poison that is injected.
Most of the time dogs get stung on their faces from investigating a stinging insect too closely. A sting on your dog’s sensitive nose is particularly painful. Some dogs may even get stung on the tongue or inside their mouth or throat if they try to bite or catch an insect. These stings can be dangerous., The subsequent swelling can close your dog’s throat and block his airway.
Watch for allergic reactions. A severe reaction can be caused by a large number of stings or by an allergic reaction. Signs of a reaction include:
If your dog is having a severe reaction, you need to take the dog to a vet immediately.
A simple sting can be safely left alone. It should be bothersome only temporarily. If a stinger is still present, try to remove it by scraping it with a fingernail or a rigid piece of cardboard. Avoid using tweezers or forceps to remove it unless absolutely necessary as this may force more venom out of the stinger.
Administer a remedy for the pain. Applying a weak mixture of water and baking soda to the affected area will help reduce the pain. You can also wrap ice or an icepack in a towel and apply it to the wound to reduce swelling and pain.
Maintain a watchful eye on your dog. Observe your dog closely after the sting incident to ensure an allergic reaction doesn’t develop. If several days pass and the swelling doesn't go down, notify your veterinarian.
Read more Hill’s dog care tips and discover how to choose the right Hill’s® Science Diet® dog food to meet your dog’s specific needs.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+. Delicious food in a small bite size
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Your dog has stopped eating, but why? Learn common reasons why he doesn't seem interested in food and how you can get him back to a normal eating routine.
Words may be important for humans to communicate, but canines communicate by dog body language and sounds. Learn how to figure out your pup's signals.
Get tips on how to pick your next dog, and learn what things you should consider when choosing a puppy.
Learn more about a dog's devotion and loyalty to you and how you can tell whether it is real or just a ploy for more treats.
Discover how common dental disease is in dogs and what you can do to help prevent it happening to your dog.
Every puppy should get a health check-up at six months by a veterinarian to make sure he is healthy. Learn what to expect at your puppy's health check.
Learn more about if female dogs can have periods, when they can happen and a lot more about their estrus cycle.
Your guide to healthy dog poop and signs to watch out for that could indicate a health concern.
Why is my dog losing hair on their tail? Some common reasons why dogs lose hair on their tails and, more importantly, what to do about it.
Discover the clinical symptoms of anemia in dogs, why the condition occurs, how its diagnosed & treated, and how you can help with prevention in your dog.
Learn important information about Leptospirosis in dogs, including what it is, how its diagnosed, common symptoms & treatments, and prevention tips.
Learn about the skin condition called dog mange: what it is, how to spot the symptoms, and treatments for both Demodectic & Sarcoptic types of the disease.
Choosing the best food for your dog starts with choosing the right food for its needs. Learn about some of the things you should be considering.
Learn the proper technique and supplies you can use to clean your dog's ears, including some tips to make it as smooth as possible for him.
Unfortunately death is a part of life, so be prepared to make arrangements for your dog's body if he dies at home.
Learn about dogs' ability to smell cancer in humans before even traditional screenings, including amazing real life stories demonstrating this ability.
Learn whether cinnamon is safe for your dog, what to do if they got into cinnamon bark, oil, sticks or spice, and what quantity of it is a health concern.
While getting a dog to take a pill can be tricky, learn valuable tips for helping them to take pills, liquids and other medications without a fuss.
Are you wondering "Why does my dog hide their face?" Learn what your dog might be trying to tell you and whether you should be worried about the behavior.
Learn important considerations for choosing the right leash, collar or harness for your dog, including factors like their breed, size, age & energy level.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool