How do I treat a Bee Sting on My Puppy?

by Cindy Bell
(Dallas TX)

Whilst walking my 3 yr old Shih Tzu, she apparently stepped on a honey bee but I cannot locate a stinger.

Her back paw was where she was stung & currently, she is just laying down, protecting the paw.

She is obviously in pain but I don't know what to do at this point. My husband will not take her to a vet but I am very concerned that she is not only in pain but is perhaps is still receiving the venom since I can't locate the stinger.

At this time, she won't even let me close enough to her to check further. Please help if you can. I am very concerned. I may be reached at

Janette's Reply

I am so sorry to hear your puppy appears to have been stung by a bee. This can be very painful and also upsetting for you both.

Just as humans are sometimes allergic to bee stings our pets can be too. Please ask your husband if he would reconsider checking your puppy out with a qualified vet especially if your puppy is showing any signs of breathing problems or pale looking gums.

If this were to happen to my own dog I would rub some honey on his gums and take him to the vet very quickly.

If your puppy’s foot is swollen or sore and feels hot this is a probable cause of being stung. Wrap his little paw with a cold compress such as an ice-pack to take the swelling down, this also helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Do this several times a day.

It is possible to relieve infections in our pets’ feet by wrapping them up in a honey soaked bandage, changing 2 – 3 times each day. This will relieve infections, but it is important to keep your pet inside until healed as the honey will attract bees, wasps and other stinging insects.

Another possibility is to ask your own pharmacist for over the counter anti-histamine tablets and creams. He or she will advise you of the correct dosage and wrap the paw up to avoid puppy licking the cream.

At times it is difficult to locate a “stinger” however over a few days this will eventually disappear and no more venom will be released.

I do strongly advise you to still have the paw checked out as there may be another cause for your puppy’s pain.

Their paws are very open to treading on just about anything lying around including little pieces of glass and splinters which can embed quite deeply and we cannot see them.

I do hope puppy is better soon
Warm Regards
Janette