How To Prevent Ant Bites On Dogs

Dog Care

Ants, the mini creatures have terrible and painful bites. their stings are irritating to any living thing; dogs are not an exception. You can often see bites of these pesky pets on your pet's skin. Suppose you live in an area where ants are in a vast population. In that case, it is necessary to know about treatments and prevention. It will help you to keep these harmful pests away from your beloved pet.

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Symptoms of ant bites in dogs

Dogs with ant bites can show the following symptoms:

  • Inflammation or pain on the site of the bite
  • The entire limb can get swelled that has bite. 
  • Hives on the ears, the top of the head, and in their inner thighs.
  • Swelled face
  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Lameness

These all are allergic reactions caused by ant bites. However, some dogs can get a more severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. If your dog shows signs of an anaphylactic reaction, they need veterinary care as soon as possible as it can be deadly.

What is anaphylaxis?

It is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction caused by some allergy. It can occur even in seconds or minutes of exposure to something.

What to do if your pet gets an ant bite?

Ant bites are very painful and irritating for your pup. If you notice an ant bite on your dog's skin, immediately do the following techniques:

  • Apply cold on the site of the bite for 5 to 10 minutes
  • If the ant bites on foot, place the foot in a cold water bath for few minutes
  • Prevent your pet from licking the affected area to avoid infection.

Your vet can provide a unique collar to protect the area if the pet is causing self-inflicted trauma by licking or chewing.

How to treat ant bites in dogs

you can treat ant bites in dogs by following some techniques:

Use gloves

wear long sleeves and gloves on your hands before checking your dog's coat, especially if your pup has long fur. It will prevent you from ant bites. 

Check for more ants

Ants often bite in self-defense and then move away quickly. But it is still necessary to check your dog thoroughly, check your pup's hard-to-reach areas, such as in and around the ears, between the toes, and the abysses of their legs.

Remove any remaining ant

Brush or pick off any ant that is still on the dog.

Observe your pup's health

Check your dog for the signs of anaphylactic shock. If you see any severe symptoms in your pup, take your dog direct to a vet clinic.

Look at the skin

If you notice a considerable amount of swelling on your pup's skin, or he is itching a lot, give them an antihistamine. But it is good to visit the vet as soon as possible or consult about what type and dose are suitable for your pet. 

Use a homemade ointment

You can make a do-it-yourself remedy by taking equal amount of baking soda and water. Then you need to apply it onto the stings several times a day. It will help with itching and relieve some swelling.

If in doubt

Never become too late to take your pet to the vet if you are in doubt about the health condition of your dog.