Do Ants Bite Dogs?
Adult humans know to stay away from the ants, but our dogs are not unaware of their painful bites. Dogs can get bit by an ant anywhere on the body. Ants can crawl up to the body of the dog, and wander around on its coat. Most favorite places for ants to bite dogs are their nose and paws.
Common Signs your Dog has been bitten by an ant
Ant bites cause swelling, pain, and irritation in the area of the bite. Your dog will become uncomfortable and you will notice irregular activities.
Some common signs an ant has bitten your dog are:
- Your dog will hold up its leg or paws
- It will start licking and sometimes biting on the foot or where it has been bitten
- Sudden redness between its toes
- Swelling at the area where it has been bitten
What to do if your dog is bitten by an Ant
Apply an Ice pack: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the bitten area for 5-10 minutes gently. Remove it after every minute so that it doesn’t cause frostbite. If any has bitten on the paws and feet, you can put your dog’s feet In the cold water for 5-10 minutes. This will help to reduce pain and swelling.
Prevent Licking and biting: Prevent your dog from licking or biting the infected area. It could cause self-trauma. There are many special collars available in case you are unable to stop your dog from licking or biting the bitten area.
See Also: What Causes Urinary Incontinence in Dogs & How to Treat?
Monitor your pet’s condition: If the redness or the swelling doesn’t go away, it is recommended to call your vet. It is suggested to monitor your dog’s wellbeing, and if the condition becomes serious, get in touch with the vet immediately. If your dog gets a reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive swelling, take your dog to the vet for emergency treatment.
Ants may be small, but their bite can be dangerous for your dog. Therefore, keep an eye on your dog when its outdoors and contact us if you have concerns about your dogs wellbeing.