What To Do If Your Dog Ate A Dead Bee

Dogs are curious creatures that will often put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t. One common scenario dog owners may encounter is their canine companion eating a dead bee they come across While a dead bee may seem harmless, there are some risks to be aware of if your dog ingests one This article will break down what happens when dogs eat dead bees, what signs to look for, and when to seek veterinary care.

Understanding The Risks

The biggest risk when a dog eats a dead bee is if the stinger is still intact Bee stingers have small barbs that allow them to stay stuck in skin after a bee stings If a stinger is still attached to the dead bee when your dog eats it, the stinger can cause damage to your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract. The venom in the stinger may also cause an allergic reaction.

Even if the stinger isn’t present, a dead bee’s body can contain pathogens or toxins that may make your dog sick if ingested. While the risks are lower with a stinger-less dead bee, it’s still best to monitor your dog closely.

Signs Of Trouble

Some signs that indicate your dog may have issues after eating a dead bee include:

• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Coughing, gagging, or choking sounds
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

These can occur right after ingestion or may be delayed up to 24 hours. Swelling or blockages in the throat and esophagus are very serious and require immediate veterinary care.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Dead Bee

If you see your dog eat a dead bee, the first step is to check their mouth for any stingers stuck in the gums, tongue, lips or inner cheeks. If you find a stinger, remove it gently with tweezers. Do not squeeze it, as that may inject more venom.

After removal, give your dog a treat or meal to help dislodge the dead bee from the mouth and encourage swallowing. Next, monitor them closely for several hours for any signs of swelling, choking, or distress. It’s advisable to avoid vigorous exercise and walks for 6-12 hours to allow any potential swelling to go down.

Look for any other clinical signs as mentioned above. If your dog shows no symptoms within 24 hours, they will most likely be in the clear.

When To Visit The Vet

You should call your vet or seek emergency care if your dog displays any of the following after ingesting a dead bee:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Wheezing, coughing or choking
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of an allergic reaction – hives, vomiting, diarrhea
• Bloody vomit or stools
• Loss of consciousness
• Extreme lethargy or weakness

Your vet can provide proper treatment to manage swelling, allergic reaction, or gastrointestinal issues. They may induce vomiting to expel the dead bee if recently eaten, and administer IV fluids, antihistamines, antibiotics, or corticosteroids as needed.

Preventing Dead Bee Ingestion

To avoid this scenario, try your best to keep dead bees and hives out of your dog’s environment. Look for bee swarms on walks so you can steer clear. Avoid areas with stagnant water or uncovered trash, which can attract bees. Use secure lids on outdoor trash bins.

You can also train your dog to “leave it” when they encounter dead bees so they don’t feel compelled to eat them. Distract them by tossing treats in the opposite direction. Lastly, make sure your dog is current on stool softeners and gastrointestinal protectants, which can help limit damage if they were to eat a bee.

While most cases of dogs eating dead bees result in no issues, it’s important to monitor for any signs of complications. Quickly remove any stingers. Seek prompt veterinary care if you notice swelling, choking, or an allergic reaction. With vigilance and preparation, you can keep your curious canine safe if they encounter dead bees during their explorations.