--- title: Bee-ware of summer stings description: Bees and wasps are especially active during the summer months. Here's what to do if your pet gets stung. image: https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/10501E_CON_Header.jpg --- [![Nationwide Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image%201@2x.png)](https://companionpetmagazine.com/) ![The Companion Magazine Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/commpasslogo.jpg) - [The Companion Magazine](https://companionpetmagazine.com) - [Previous Issues](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/previous) - Topics - [Member stories](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/member-stories) - [Research data](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/research-data) - [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/pet-care) - [Extra treats](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/extra-treats) - [Promotions](https://companionpetmagazine.com/promotions) - [Member Perks](https://companionpetmagazine.com/member-perks) [Summer 2025](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/summer-2025) # Bee-ware of summer stings Tips to protect your pet from bees, hornets and wasps. ![Picture of By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/NWLogos_Vert_NW_3C.svg) [By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/author/about-us) - - - Summer is the season of warm weather and sunshine—and, thanks to an abundance of insects, the season of stinging. Bees, hornets and wasps are especially active during the summer months, and curious pets are highly susceptible to bites and stings. Experts at [Nationwide VetHelpline®](https://www.petinsurance.com/usevethelpline/), powered by FirstVet, offer this advice for summer stings. ## Bee ready for summer Warm weather typically makes stinging insects more active. Bees come out in search of blooming flowers and nectar, while wasps are most active in summer when food is abundant. Both tend to be most active during warmer hours of the day, especially in the late morning or early afternoon. The most common areas for stings in pets include paws, face and mouth. This makes sense when considering how pets explore objects that inspire their curiosity and trigger their instincts. Cats will attempt to pounce, swat or catch bees and wasps, while dogs will bite at flying objects (though, equally often, they end up accidentally stepping on a bee hidden in the grass). In many cases, a single sting will cause signs such as swelling, pain, redness and itching at the site. For stings to the face or mouth, you may notice pawing at the mouth, salivating more than usual or facial swelling. ## What to do if your pet gets stung Above all else, remain calm—most dogs and cats can cope well with a wasp or bee sting, and do not need immediate veterinary treatment. Bites or stings from insects rarely make pets ill, but your pet will likely be itchy and sore. Most of the time the swelling will be self-limiting. Sometimes, you may see the stinger left in the skin. Use a magnifying glass and tweezers to remove the stinger, if possible, while being careful not to get bitten or scratched in the process. Squeezing the site while the stinger is still in place may release more venom, so it is better to try and gently scrape the skin with something blunt, such as a credit card, as another method to remove the stinger. If you can’t find a stinger, it most likely fell out. Bathe the skin in cool water to soothe discomfort, and prevent your pet from licking the area and causing further skin trauma. ## When to seek veterinary advice or care - If your pet has pale gums, is dull or lacks energy after the sting, develops coughing, or has difficulty breathing, eating, or drinking - If your dog or cat is stung anywhere on the head or neck, nose, mouth or throat, especially if your pet is a short-faced breed like pug, bulldog or Persian - If your pet is stung by numerous insects - If there is persistent itching or an infection at the site of the sting While uncommon, allergic reactions to wasp and bee stings can progress to life-threatening emergencies if they escalate to anaphylaxis, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea or collapse. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet shows signs of a significant allergic reaction, especially if swelling is seen around the face. ## How Nationwide helps If your pet requires in-person treatment, Nationwide pet insurance covers eligible veterinary expenses for bee and wasp stings. [Get a quote.](https://www.petinsurance.com/) If you’re unsure about your pet’s health, don’t wait and worry—members have access to Nationwide VetHelpline® to answer any questions and help pet parents determine the level of veterinary care required. Download it from the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nationwide-vethelpline/id1515301514) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nationwide.vethelpline).  ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Cat%20Health%20Month%20Article%20-%20Cat%20Vet.jpg) ### VetHelpline Nationwide® pet insurance members have 24/7 telehealth access to connect with veterinary professionals for pet health advice. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy! [Get advice](https://www.petinsurance.com/usevethelpline/) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2025/my.petinsurance.com) [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/pet-care) ## Check out some of our other posts! ### [2025 pet gift guide: Best picks for the holidays](https://companionpetmagazine.com/2025-pet-gift-guide) Celebrate the season with gifts that combine health, sustainability, and fun for your ... ### [Making a paw-sitive impact at Nationwide Children’s Hospital](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/making-a-paw-sitive-impact-at-nationwide-childrens-hospital) Dogs are our steadfast companions through thick and thin. They’re also good for our ... ### [Letter from the Pet-itor: New Year’s edition](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/letter-from-the-pet-itor) Can you hear the first notes of Auld Lang Syne ringing in your head already? 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