Bug Bites and Bee Stings: Keeping Your Pets Safe

As the weather warms up, our pets are eager to explore the outdoors. But with increased activity comes a higher risk of encounters with insects like bees, mosquitoes, ants, and more. While many insect bites are minor, some can lead to serious health concerns—and fast.

Common Insect Threats

Bees and Wasps

Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and buzzing insects often catch their attention. It’s common for pets—especially dogs—to get stung on the face, mouth, or paws while trying to sniff, chase, or bite at bees and wasps. Bee stings are usually painful and cause localized swelling and redness.

Honeybees typically sting once and leave behind their stinger and venom sac, which can continue pumping venom for up to a minute. In contrast, wasps (and other types of bees) can sting multiple times, injecting venom with each sting. While a single sting is often not dangerous, multiple stings or stings in sensitive areas (like the mouth or throat) can be more serious. Some pets may also have allergic reactions, even to a single sting.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are more than just an itchy annoyance—they can be dangerous. In dogs, mosquito bites are the primary way heartworm larvae are transmitted. Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition affecting the heart and lungs. Cats can also be infected, although they are less commonly affected and tend to show more subtle or sudden symptoms. Using a veterinarian-recommended, year-round heartworm preventative is essential for keeping pets safe.

Ants (Including Fire Ants)

Ant bites are usually more of a nuisance than a major threat—but fire ants are the exception. Fire ants bite to anchor themselves and then sting repeatedly, injecting venom that causes red, swollen bumps that can turn into painful, fluid-filled pustules. If a pet walks through a nest, they may receive multiple stings at once, leading to intense pain, swelling, and in some cases, a more serious allergic or systemic reaction—especially in smaller pets.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks aren’t just irritating; they can spread serious diseases. Flea bites can cause intense itching and skin inflammation, and some pets develop flea allergy dermatitis—a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva. Ticks can transmit illnesses like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and more. Daily tick checks and the regular use of vet-approved flea and tick preventatives are vital for your pet’s protection.

Spiders

Most spider bites cause mild irritation and swelling, but venomous spiders like the black widow and brown recluse can cause more severe symptoms, including vomiting, tremors, fever, lethargy, or localized tissue damage. These species are more common in certain regions, so ask your vet if they’re a concern in your area. If your pet shows signs of distress after a suspected bite, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Signs of Insect Bites or Stings

• Swelling, especially around the face, mouth, or paws
• Hives or raised red bumps
• Scratching, pawing, or licking the affected area
• Whining or limping due to discomfort
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing—possible signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction
• Lethargy or sudden collapse in severe cases

Immediate Actions

1. Remove the stinger (if present): For bee stings, gently scrape it out with a flat object like a credit card. Avoid tweezers, which can squeeze more venom into the skin.
2. Apply a cold compress: This helps reduce swelling and pain. (Watch our video to learn more about applying a cold compress.)
3. Prevent licking or scratching: Your pet may need an e-collar or a distraction to avoid irritating the area further.
4. Monitor closely: Rapidly spreading swelling, breathing difficulty, vomiting, or collapse are signs of a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately.
5. Important: Never administer human medications (like Benadryl) without first consulting your veterinarian for appropriate dosing.

Prevention Tips

• Regularly inspect your yard for ant hills, beehives, and wasp nests, and address them safely.
• Use vet-approved flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives year-round.
• Avoid walking through areas with high insect activity, especially in peak seasons.
• Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
• Don’t leave food or sweet drinks outdoors—they attract ants, bees, and wasps.