Ant bites on dogs, what to do according to vets

Ant bites can be frustrating for people, and equally as such for our dogs. For some, they can even be dangerous. Unfortunately for dog owners in some areas, ant bites on dogs are an inevitable part of life. Keep reading to learn more about ant bites on dogs and what you can do to prevent them.

When dog owners think about insects that can hurt their pup, fleas and ticks usually come to mind. Ants, though, can be a problem for Fido, too.

There are thousands of species of ants all over the world, but most don’t pose a big risk to dogs. Some species though, like fire ants, can pose a serious problem to your dog. And, depending on where you live, they may be prevalent.

Ant bites can look like other insect bites, allergic reactions, and an array of other skin conditions. Here are the symptoms of ant bites on dogs and how to distinguish ant bites from other insects and wildlife bites.

Symptoms of ant bites on dogs

There are some subtle symptoms that your dog has been bit or stung by ants — there are also more serious symptoms that can indicate an anaphylactic reaction Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source . Ranging from mild to severe, here are some symptoms of stings and ant bites on dogs.

• Vocalizing and whining. Dogs dealing with ant bites may try to tell you with various vocalizations.
• Chewing. Chewing, licking, or otherwise trying to relieve itchiness may be a sign that your dog has been bit or is being bitten by ants.
• Restlessness. Dogs that can’t seem to get comfortable may be experiencing irritation caused by multiple ant bites, or have ants actively biting them.

For dogs that are especially sensitive to the proteins found in certain insects, their reactions may be stronger.

• Hives and swelling. If dogs are experiencing a mild allergic reaction, they may have hives and swelling in the areas where ants have bitten them.
• Pale gums and vomiting. Dogs experiencing an insect bite reaction may have pale gums and vomit due to the bite.
• Respiratory distress. In more extreme cases, some dogs may have difficulty breathing or experience severe distress or anaphylactic shock Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source .

Differentiating ant bites from other injuries

Ant bites can be singular and may look a lot like flea bites on dogs. With fire ants, which are a likely suspect in warmer climates, you may notice clusters of bites. Fire ants both bite and sting, and after a few days the area will develop into a white puss-filled sore. They tend to swarm and will climb up vertical spaces, like your dog’s legs, so look for clusters of bites around their paws and legs.

Ant bites on dogs can be irritating, but not always dangerous. Many ants won’t bite or sting unless provoked, but fire ants tend to be aggressive and are dangerous with painful bites and stings. For people and dogs alike, fatal allergic reactions to fire ants can take place, so it’s important to pay attention to the symptoms listed below and know the risks of repeated exposure.

Potential long-term health consequences

Many sensitivities and allergies develop over time with repeated exposure. For dogs, ant bites can lead to long-term health issues Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source , like:

• Nasal allergies. Allergic rhinitis can develop over time with repeated ant bites. Veterinarians will diagnose this by looking for a specific type of white blood cell in your dog’s nasal discharge, a favorable response to antihistamines, and if symptoms disappear with lack of exposure.
• Chronic allergic bronchitis. Symptoms of chronic allergic bronchitis include a dry, hacking cough that happens when your dog is active. For some dogs, this is year-round, but for others, it might only happen during certain seasons, and your dog may need medication to control it.
• Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source . Also known as PIE syndrome, this condition is caused by allergens (like ant bites), viruses, and parasites. Veterinarians typically have a difficult time finding the specific cause, but flare-ups can be treated with steroids.

Treating your dog’s ant bites may be simple, but it can require specialized care depending on the situation. Keep reading to learn more about home remedies and when it’s time to visit the vet.

Home remedies for ant bites on dogs

For mild cases of ant bites, treatment may be as simple as giving your dog some good scratches and applying an ice pack to help relieve the itch until the inflammation dies down. Hydrocortisone anti-itch sprays may be an option for immediate relief, while anti-allergy chews can provide ongoing relief for pups that can’t seem to leave ant colonies alone.

When to see a vet

For more severe cases where your dog experiences respiratory issues, weakness, vomiting, or swelling, it’s time for a vet visit. Dogs may be experiencing a more severe reaction that won’t be resolved without medication and treatment.

Preventing ant bites on dogs is mostly about being proactive in and around your home, and teaching your dog good manners when it comes to ant hills and colonies. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe from ants.

Ant proof your home — Look for areas in the home where ants get in and seal them up. This can include around doors and window frames, or coming in on your clothing and shoes. Cleaning up sweets and foods can remove temptation from ants as well.

Train your dog to avoid ants — While you may not be able to train your dog to spot a nefarious fire ant hill, you can teach them commands, like “leave it,” that will prevent them from disturbing the colony.

Discourage ants from nesting in your yard — Pet-safe pesticides can help treat your yard and discourage ants from building their colony there. You can also use all-natural techniques if pesticides aren’t an option.

Leash your dog when they’re outside — Having control over where your dog roams, especially during the summertime, can allow you to prevent them from going to areas with known ant activity.

Ant bites on dogs are, at best, irritating. At worst though, ant bites can lead to serious health conditions for sensitive dogs and particularly aggressive ant breeds. It’s essential that dog parents be aware of what to look for and what to do if your dog has a severe reaction to ant bites.