The most common bug bites seen on dogs and cats are caused by ticks, fleas and mites. But did you know ants can cause problematic bites too? Certain ant bites lead to stings and can result in welts and even toxicity.
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Content:
- Can Dogs Get Ant Bites
- What Do Ant Bites Look Like on a Dog
- Home Remedies for Dog Ant Bites
- Conclusion
Can Dogs Get Ant Bites
Dogs love investigating their environment and sticking their noses into burrows, bushes and ant hills, which could result in an unwanted trip to your local veterinary clinic.
Fire ant colonies do not hide when an intruder is about, they readily attack anyone or thing when their nest is disturbed. They will latch on to the intruder using their mandibles (mouth parts) and sting with a stinger located in their abdomen. So technically it is not the bite that causes the reaction, but the stinger that does when it injects the venom. These invasive ants are the most likely species to cause an allergic reaction or secondary infection in your dog, or you. Red harvester ants can also sting but are far less likely to as they are not as aggressive as the fire ant.
If you are active with your dog and like going on hikes and trail running, it is highly recommended to invest in a tracker so you know where your loved furry friend is at all times.
In the article Hypersensitivity to the imported fire ant it says: “Two South American species of the fire ant group, Solenopsis richteri and Solenopsis invicta, now occupy more than 150 million acres in 13 southern states and cause systemic allergic reactions to their stings.”
What Do Ant Bites Look Like on a Dog
The ant bite from the mandible can cause an irritating bump where it has pinched the skin, but it is the stinger that injects the venom that is the main cause for concern. These stings can present as:
- Welts or red bumps
- Pustules
- Serious allergic reaction with swelling, nausea and/or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
It is far more likely that you see a cluster of stings from ants as they attack in a swarm and not individually. The welts most commonly occur on the face and/or paws of your dog, as these areas are generally the first point of contact with the ants. If your dog has thick fur it is recommended to pay close attention to any behaviour changes as you aren’t likely to see swelling or bumps easily.
Not all ant bites are painful or show marks. If your dog has been bitten, he may hold up the affected area or scratch at it. Just like with humans all dogs are different and there is a possibility that yours has a severe reaction to the ant’s venom which can result in trouble breathing.
Home Remedies for Dog Ant Bites
If your dog has been bitten and the bites are small with no major symptoms you can try a few things at home to alleviate any discomfort:
- Ice pack or cold compress on the affected area to help numb it
- If the area is very itchy and your pooch is constantly trying to lick or chew it then you can place a cone of shame (Clic Collar or Elizabethan Collar) to prevent any further damage
- Over the counter sprays and creams don’t work, and do not use any human medication on your dog
Antihistamines should only be given at the direction of your veterinarian
If the ant attack was severe and there is anything more than small bumps, then it is pertinent to seek veterinary assistance. Having your furry friend on Petcube Emergency Fund will be a blessing at a time like this.
The type of treatment your veterinarian will provide all depends on the reaction your dog has to the ant venom. Your veterinarian can prescribe an antihistamine if the reaction is mild. If the reaction is severe and your dog has trouble breathing, he could be placed in an oxygen chamber and given various intravenous drugs and supportive treatments to stabilise him.
Dr. Klotz and colleagues said in their research: “Of the invertebrates, insects, particularly Hymenoptera, most commonly cause anaphylaxis. In stinging bees, wasps, and ants, the ovipositor of females has been modified into a stinger. This venom delivery system is a powerful defence against vertebrates, which, in the case of humans, may be life-threatening when the individual is sensitized to allergens in the venom.”
Conclusion
At the cost of sounding cliché, prevention is always better than cure. Avoid areas that are known to have fire ant nests and if they appear in your garden have a professional pest control service remove them.