Sometimes, a dog’s penchant for exploring can get him into trouble. If your pet’s curiosity leads him to an ant mound, for instance, he may suffer a large number of painful and potentially dangerous stings. Quick treatment and careful observation will ensure that your furry friend recovers from his misadventure with no permanent damage.
Treatment
First, remove all ants from your dog, as they can hang on and bite more. Water can cause them to bite down and hang on, so brush them away from your dog’s skin using fast strokes. A cotton ball moistened with ammonia can help relieve itching, as can a poultice of baking soda and water, if you can prevent your dog from licking it. Cleaning the bites with antibacterial soap will reduce the chances of infection, and a cold compress can help cut down on swelling.
Allergic Reaction
In rare cases, your dog may have an allergic reaction to ant bites. If he becomes disoriented or lethargic, or any swelling appears on his face, mouth or nose, you should seek a vet 's advice immediately on how to proceed.
References
Writer Bio
Milton Kazmeyer has worked in the insurance, financial and manufacturing fields and also served as a federal contractor. He began his writing career in 2007 and now works full-time as a writer and transcriptionist. His primary fields of expertise include computers, astronomy, alternative energy sources and the environment.