Dog was bitten by ants :( (how much, allergy, bite, vet)

[Riley620]

We were out on a walk and my dog got a pricker in her foot (it happens often living in the desert) She stopped so I could take it out but where we stopped there was a bunch of big black ants. She was bitten at least twice on her feet. She reacted immediately, whimpering and licking at her feet she didn't even want to walk. I finally got her home and put baking soda and water paste on her. She keeps licking and chewing at the paw and kicking her leg out. I know she is uncomfortable, DH said wait an hour then we can take her to the vet if she is still in pain. There is no swelling and I don't even see the bite mark. What can I do to help her?

[Hopes]

Apply ice like you would for yourself so you don't give him frostbite.

[latetotheparty]

you can also try some benedryl to counteract the venom......dosage depends on dog's weight..... bailey weighs about 50 lbs and i will give her one children's chewable benedryl (12.5 mg) when her allergy eyes are bothering her.......and make ABSOLUTELY sure it is NOTHING but benedryl (or store brand) .... NOTHING for fever or aches or coughs or ANYTHING else.......

[pitt_transplant]

You can rub some meat tenderizer on the paw and really rub it in with some olive oil. It will break up the protiens from the ant. I second the benedryl if you have an emergency vet number on hand just in case the pet reacts. My ex-roomies dog would take that dose (same wt about) when he was getting itchy skin from allergies and would chew himself.

[bustaduke]

Originally Posted by Riley620

We were out on a walk and my dog got a pricker in her foot (it happens often living in the desert) She stopped so I could take it out but where we stopped there was a bunch of big black ants. She was bitten at least twice on her feet. She reacted immediately, whimpering and licking at her feet she didn't even want to walk. I finally got her home and put baking soda and water paste on her. She keeps licking and chewing at the paw and kicking her leg out. I know she is uncomfortable, DH said wait an hour then we can take her to the vet if she is still in pain. There is no swelling and I don't even see the bite mark. What can I do to help her?

My Vet said to give my dogs Benadryl when they get bit by ants. Call your Vet and ask them how much you should give your pet.

busta

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by latetotheparty

you can also try some benedryl to counteract the venom......dosage depends on dog's weight..... bailey weighs about 50 lbs and i will give her one children's chewable benedryl (12.5 mg) when her allergy eyes are bothering her.......and make ABSOLUTELY sure it is NOTHING but benedryl (or store brand) .... NOTHING for fever or aches or coughs or ANYTHING else.......

I would second that suggestion. Dogs can be safely dosed EXTREMELY high with diphenhydramine (relative to humans). 1 mg per pound of body weight is usually the low end of the canine dosage. If you take a dog to the vet with an acute histamine reaction they will go to 3 or 4 mg per pound of body weight without batting an eye.

Also, your dog does not need to go to the vet for two ant stings unless all kinds of stuff is very obviously going wrong. If you have ant stings, you have an inconvenience. With human babies, ice cream will fix that; no need to wallet whip it. If you have a dog that is swelling up over its entire body because of ant stings, then you have a problem that needs attention.

Dogs are not usually that breakable.

[tcrackly]

My dog laid on top of a nest of black ants once. Lots ot little red, inflamed stings! I used fresh aloe juice or alor vera gel and the inflammation subsided instantly.

[ShelbyGirl1]

I third (fourth?) the Benedryl. A simple phone call to the vet can give you the dosage.

[gina032467]

but my dog is sleeping alot and urinating alot

[Jessiegee40]

Originally Posted by gina032467

but my dog is sleeping alot and urinating alot

Are you saying your dog got bitten by ants and is now sleeping alot and urinating alot?