Dogs are
known to stick their noses just about anywhere—and we mean this in the literal
sense. And while we love their curiosity and enthusiasm, accidents can happen
sometimes. Our furry friends certainly aren’t immune to insect bites and
allergies. Notice your dog acting a bit strange after a few minutes spend
outdoors? He might have been bitten by an ant.
Ants
colonies are located just about anywhere there’s a food supply. Ant bites on
dogs are quite common. The effects can mostly be mild, but some ant bites can
also be dangerous and painful. If your dog has allergic reactions or a medical
condition, the ant bites can cause complications. Here are signs to know for
sure if your dog has been bitten by ants. We also offer first aid information
and other things you can do about it.
Signs of Ant Bites in Dogs
Do ants
bite dogs? They most certainly do, although experts say that ants would only
normally bite if they have been threatened. Some ant breeds like fire ants
would be a little more aggressive. What do ant bites look like on a dog? If
your dog has been bitten by an ant, you’re likely to notice some or all of the
following signs:
• Bite wounds or hives
This would
be very tiny in size and you’ll notice the surrounding area will appear red or
swollen. Dog’s fur protects them from ant bites but they’re vulnerable to ant
bites in certain areas like the paw pads or the belly. You may also see ant
bites on your dog’s face.
• Swelling and itchiness
You’ll
notice your dog flicking, scratching, or shaking a paw or leg if he has been
bitten by ants. He might also lick or chew on the problematic areas.
• Vocalization
Your dog
might whimper or cry in pain and irritation if he has been bitten by an ant.
It’s rare
but some dogs may have severe allergic reactions to insect bites, in which
case, you’ll notice symptoms such as:
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Weakness
• Fever
• Agitation
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Cardiovascular arrest
How to Treat Ant Bites on Dogs: First Aid
If you’re
pretty sure that your dog has been bitten by an ant, you can try any of the
following first-aid treatments:
• Cold compress
Apply a
cold compress to the ant bites for up to ten minutes. It should relieve the
itch and help reduce any swelling. You can apply this method if there are ant
bites on the dog’s belly or other exposed parts of his body.
• Cold bath
If your
dog has been bitten on the footpads, you can soak his paws in a cold water bath
for five to ten minutes.
• Dog cone
Prevent
infections by making your dog wear a dog cone to prevent him from licking his paws or scratching the ant bites in other
parts of his body.
• Ointments
You can
apply an ointment like hydrocortisone cream to relieve itchiness and pain.
• Baking soda salve
Try mixing
baking soda with water to create a topical paste for pain and itchiness relief.
• Oatmeal bath
An oatmeal
bath would also be effective for cleansing, in case some other ant bites are
not visible.
• Aloe vera gel
If you
have some aloe vera gel available, it can bring instant relief for ant bites on
dogs.
• Apple cider vinegar
If you
have apple cider vinegar at home, this would also work as an effective pain
reliever. Mix apple cider vinegar in equal parts with water and apply to the
ant bites about three times a day.
• Benadryl
Benadryl
is an antihistamine that is generally safe for dogs. You can administer it if
your dog shows an allergic reaction to the ant bites. Ask your vet before you
give your dog any medications.
• Ice cubes
If your
dog has been bitten by ants inside the mouth, you can help him by giving him
ice cubes or ice water.
Ant Bites on Dogs: Treatment
If your
dog has been bitten by ants, watch out for any allergic reactions. If he shows more of the severe signs
like difficulty breathing or disorientation, he may have been bitten by a
dangerous type of ant. Excessive inflammation or the formation of hives might
also be a cause for concern. Take him to the vet immediately with medications.
Monitor your dog closely in the first 24 hours after being bitten to see if any
extreme symptoms show up.
How to Prevent Ant Bites on Dogs?
While your
dog might learn to be a little more careful about ants after he has been
bitten, there are things you can do to keep your furry friend protected.
• Keep
your dog away from areas where there might be ant colonies. Soil, bushes, and
tree barks are common ant dwellings.
• You have
the option to use ant repellents to protect your dog from ants and other
harmful insects. Citronella and lemon may be among the smells that dogs hate the most but they are effective insect repellents.
• Keep
food tightly sealed. You know how fast ants come when you have accidentally
left some food exposed. Use air-tight containers and keep your home ant-free.
• Dispose
of leftovers properly and clean up any crumbs thoroughly.
• Check
your yard for the existence of ant mounds or colonies.
Conclusion
Ant bites on dogs are generally harmless and can
be treated with first aid care and relief. There are plenty of household items
you can apply topically to the bitten areas to soothe itchiness, irritation,
and pain. Benadryl is also a safe first aid prescription. However, you have to
watch out for any anaphylactic effects if your dog is prone to allergic
reactions or may have suffered from a particularly potent ant bite. Observe for
any extreme symptoms especially within the first 24 hours. If there’s any sign
of vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, fever, or respiratory distress, consult a
veterinarian immediately.
