If your dog loves exploring the outdoors, there’s a good chance they’ll come across ants at some point. While most ants aren’t dangerous, some species bite or sting, causing irritation, pain, or even allergic reactions in dogs.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t always know to stay away from ant mounds, especially if they’re sniffing around in the grass, digging, or simply lying down in the wrong spot. A sudden encounter with fire ants or other aggressive species can lead to painful bites, swelling, and discomfort.

In this article, we’ll talk about ant bites on dogs and how to handle them. 

Common Types of Ants on Dogs

Not all ants are a threat to dogs, but some species can deliver painful bites or stings that cause irritation, swelling, or even allergic reactions.

Below are some of the most common ants known to bite dogs:

Fire Ants

Fire ants are one of the most aggressive and dangerous ant species for dogs. They are commonly found in warmer climates, where they build large mounds in yards, parks, and open fields. Unlike other ants that simply bite, fire ants bite to latch onto the skin and then sting, injecting venom that causes intense pain and irritation.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are large and are typically black, red, or a combination of both. While they do not sting, they can bite when threatened. Their bites are painful but do not contain venom. Carpenter ants are usually found in moist, decaying wood, making them common in yards, fallen trees, and old structures.

Harvester Ants

Harvester ants are found in dry, arid regions. They are known for their potent sting, which can be as painful as that of a fire ant. These ants do not usually seek out dogs to bite, but if a dog steps on a harvester ant nest, the ants will defend their colony aggressively.

Other Common Household Ants

Pavement ants, sugar ants, and other small household ants are common in urban and suburban areas. These ants rarely bite and are not aggressive toward dogs. However, in large numbers, they may cause mild irritation if they crawl on a dog’s skin and attempt to bite in self-defense.

How to Spot Ant Bites on Dogs?

Ant bites can sometimes be difficult to spot, especially if your dog has thick fur. However, paying attention to your dog’s behavior and checking common bite areas can help you catch the problem early. 

Here’s how you can spot ant bites on your dog:

1. Look for Red, Swollen Bumps. Ant bites usually appear as small, red, raised bumps on the skin. Fire ant bites may even turn into pus-filled blisters. The bites often show up in clusters since ants tend to bite multiple times. You’ll usually find them on areas with less fur, such as the paws, belly, legs, or face.

   
   

2. Watch for Excessive Licking or Scratching. If your dog keeps licking or scratching a particular spot, it could be a sign of irritation. Dogs often react to ant bites by trying to soothe the itch with their tongue or paws. If they were bitten on their face, they might rub against furniture or paw at their muzzle.

   
   

3. Check for Limping or Signs of Pain. Ant bites on a dog’s paws can be especially painful. If your dog suddenly starts limping, avoids walking on certain surfaces, or hesitates to put weight on a paw, they may have been bitten. This is more common after walking through grassy areas or places with ant mounds.

   
   

4. Observe Your Dog’s Overall Behavior. Dogs who have been bitten may act restless, agitated, or uncomfortable. If your dog seems unusually anxious after spending time outside, an insect bite could be the cause. Some dogs may even whimper or shake their paws to get rid of the irritation.

   
   

5. Look for Signs of a Serious Reaction. Most ant bites are mild, but in some cases, they can trigger an allergic reaction. If your dog’s face swells up, develops hives, or has trouble breathing, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, and sudden weakness are also signs of a severe reaction.

   
   

6. Check Common Bite Areas. To find ant bites, inspect your dog’s paws, belly, and legs, as these are the areas most likely to be bitten. Gently part their fur to check for red bumps, especially if they’ve been scratching a lot. If your dog has been lying on the ground or sniffing around an ant mound, also check their face and muzzle.

What to Do if Your Dog Has Ant Bites?

If you notice your dog has been bitten by ants, acting quickly can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Here’s what you should do right away:

Move Your Dog Away from the Ants

The first step is to get your dog away from the ant-infested area. If they were bitten in your yard, check for ant mounds and keep them away from those spots in the future. If ants are still crawling on them, gently brush them off with your hands or a cloth. Avoid using water, as this can cause fire ants to cling even tighter to the skin.

Check for Bites and Assess the Severity. 

Look over your dog’s body, especially their paws, belly, and face, for signs of bites. If you see red, swollen bumps or notice them licking and scratching excessively, they’ve likely been bitten. Reactions can potentially become severe, such as large areas of swelling or difficulty breathing.

Clean and Treat the Affected Area

Wash the ant bites on your dog with pet-safe soap and cool water to remove any lingering ant venom or dirt. This can help prevent infection and soothe irritation. Avoid using products with harsh chemicals or alcohol-based products, as these can worsen irritation.

Home remedies you can use for ant bites on dogs include:

• Cold Compress. A cool, damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel can help lessen the swelling and discomfort in the area. Use it for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
  
  

• Baking Soda Paste. A paste made from baking soda and a little bit of water can help neutralize the venom and reduce itching. Leave it on the ant bites for about 10 minutes before gently wiping it off.
  
  

• Pet-Safe Hydrocortisone Cream. A small amount of pet-safe hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching and inflammation. Avoid creams with added ingredients like lidocaine, as they can be toxic to dogs.
  
  

• Oatmeal Bath. If your dog has multiple bites, an oatmeal bath can provide relief. Add finely ground oatmeal to lukewarm water and let your dog soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes.

Some antihistamines, like Benadryl, can help reduce itching and swelling, but you should always ask our vets before giving your dog any medication. Most ant bites cause only mild irritation, but some dogs may have a stronger reaction. Watch for signs like excessive swelling, vomiting, trouble breathing, or unusual lethargy. 

Prevent Licking and Scratching

If your dog keeps licking or scratching the bites, they could make the irritation worse or cause an infection. Try distracting with a toy or treat. If they don’t leave the area alone, you may need to use an e-collar to prevent further irritation.

How to Prevent Ant Bites on Dogs?

The best way to deal with ant bites is to prevent them altogether. By keeping ants away from your dog’s environment and being mindful of where they play, you can reduce the chances of bites.

1. Keep Your Yard Ant-Free. Remove ant mounds using pet-safe treatments and keep your grass trimmed. Avoid leaving food outside, as it attracts ants.
   
   

2. Watch Where Your Dog Walks and Plays. Check for ant mounds in your yard and at parks. Keep your dog on a leash in unfamiliar areas and prevent them from lying down in grassy or dirt-covered spots.
   
   

3. Use Pet-Safe Ant Repellents. Pet-safe ant sprays can also help keep ants away from outdoor spaces.
   
   

4. Protect Your Dog’s Paws. Wipe your dog’s paws after walks or outdoor activities to remove any ants. Check its legs for any ants clinging.
   
   

5. Keep Food and Sleeping Areas Clean. Don’t leave food outside for long periods. Use ant-proof bowls and regularly clean your dog’s bedding and feeding area to keep ants away.

A happy dog deserves healthy skin. Protect, prevent, and care to keep ant bites and irritation away.

- Dr. Soheyl Simaei

Conclusion

Ant bites on dogs can be painful and irritating, but with quick action and proper care, most bites heal without complications. Seeing the signs and knowing how to treat them are good places to start off with. Also, taking steps to prevent future encounters can help keep your dog safe and comfortable.

If your dog is bitten by ants, don’t worry. A few home remedies should do the job. Just make sure that your dog slowly recovers and feels more comfortable after the treatment. With your help, your pup will feel better.