Whether you’re chilling at the park or kicking back in your kitchen, it’s not unusual to see little groups of scurrying ants rushing toward the food. Dog food is also an open invitation for these creatures to sneak in your home and mooch off your picky eater’s crunchy leftovers. In retaliation, or mere curiosity, your dog might decide to snack on the bugs themselves. While your first instinct might be to tell them to drop it, you might be surprised to learn that eating ants isn’t harmful to dogs in most instances—unless they’re ingesting fire ants or are allergic to ant bites.
As a dog owner, you may have caught your pup licking up ants from the floor or eagerly eating their food that is crawling with the little insects Dogs explore with their mouth, so eating ants is not uncommon for our curious canines. But is it dangerous? What actually happens if a dog eats ants?
Can Dogs Safely Eat Ants?
The answer is yes! Most dogs can safely eat ants with no issues.
Ants contain formic acid which gives them a somewhat unpleasant taste, so dogs usually won’t eat ants in large quantities. But licking up a few ants that crawl on the floor or eating kibble covered in ants will not harm your dog.
There are over 12,000 species of ants, but the common house and garden variety ants are not toxic to dogs. These tiny insects are fully digestible and pass through a dog’s system without incident.
So if you catch your dog snacking on ants, there’s no need to panic. Just keep an eye that they don’t eat too many.
When Eating Ants Becomes a Problem
While most ants are harmless to dogs, there are some exceptions
Allergic Reactions
Some dogs can have allergic reactions to ant bites or stings. Signs of an allergic reaction include vomiting, diarrhea, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If your dog shows these symptoms after eating ants, take them to the vet.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are an aggressive, venomous species that can deliver a painful sting. They attack in large groups, biting and stinging the dog’s tongue, face, paws, or other body parts. This requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Ant Baits and Repellents
It’s unsafe if ants have crawled through toxic ant baits or repellents. The chemicals are designed to kill ants and can poison dogs if ingested. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, dizziness, and nausea.
Mass Quantities
While a few ants are fine, dogs should avoid eating ants in mass quantities as it may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Ant piles near your dog’s food and water bowls should be removed.
Why Do Dogs Eat Ants?
There are a few possible reasons why dogs eat ants:
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Accident – Ants can crawl into your dog’s food and water bowls. Dogs may accidentally ingest ants when eating or drinking.
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Curiosity – As natural scavengers, dogs explore with their mouth. Eating ants may start as your dog examining the insects out of curiosity.
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Attention Seeking – Some dogs eat ants to get a reaction from their owner. So it’s a learned behavior.
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Itch Relief – If bitten by ants, dogs may eat them to relieve itchiness or discomfort.
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Predatory Instinct – Dogs have a predatory drive to chase and eat moving insects. Ants quickly scurrying along the floor can trigger this instinct.
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Nutritional Deficiency – There’s a myth that ants provide protein or nutrients for dogs. But any nutrition from a few ants is negligible.
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Taste – Dogs have a keen sense of smell and taste. Eating ants can simply be your dog exploring the environment through taste.
No matter the reason, eating a few ants here and there is usually harmless for dogs. But you want to discourage the behavior and keep ants away from your pet.
Keeping Ants Away From Your Dog
Too many ants pose a health risk, so here are some tips to ants away from your furry friend:
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Remove food bowls after your dog finishes eating so ants aren’t attracted to leftover kibble.
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Wash food and water bowls daily to prevent ant infestations.
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Use natural ant repellents like vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, or citrus around your home. Avoid chemical pesticides.
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Seal any cracks or openings in walls, floors, etc that ants could come through.
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Inspect for ant nests/hills and relocate them away from areas your dog frequents.
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Treat ant mounds with boiling water or borax to eliminate colonies.
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Keep sugary foods like syrup and honey sealed and stored away from pets.
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Pick up fallen fruit, vegetables, and pet food that could attract ants.
With some prevention and vigilance, you can keep ants at bay and avoid excessive ant exposure. If you do see your dog eating ants, simply redirect their attention.
When To See The Vet
In most cases, dogs eating ants is not a concern. But contact your vet if you notice any of these signs:
- Hives, rashes, or swelling on your dog’s body
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapsing or extreme lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Evidence of fire ant bites
These could indicate an allergic reaction, toxicity, or fire ant attack requiring medical intervention. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
The Bottom Line
Ants are a common problem that curious dogs will inevitably encounter. But rest assured that eating a few ants here and there is perfectly normal and safe for dogs. Just take precautions against infestations, toxic exposure, and allergy risks. With sensible preventions, ants and dogs can safely co-exist!
So next time you catch your pooch licking up ants, there’s no need for alarm. Simply redirect their attention, clean up the ants, and take sensible precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Signs Your Dog Was Bitten By Ants
If your dog is allergic to ant bites and stings or has been attacked by fire ants, you want to check for these signs.
- Vomiting
- Swelling
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapsing
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Redness in the affected area
Can Ants Harm Your Dog?
Yes, but the majority of ants you commonly find in your home or yard are harmless to dogs even when ingested. You should still keep your dog away from areas that are infested with ants and treat any ant infestations in the same environment as your dog.
They can, however, become a problem if your dog is bitten by or ingested fire ants. Fire ants can bite your dog’s tongue or a part of their body, leading to swelling and pain. These ants are venomous and can give your dog a nasty sting that usually requires a trip to the vet. Most dogs who have been attacked by fire ants will be prescribed an antihistamine, but more serious signs such as anaphylactic reactions require immediate veterinary hospitalization and treatment.
Since fire ants usually attack in groups, if your dog has been bitten by fire ants or eaten them, they can be dangerous for your dog.
Since certain species of ants can bite and sting your dog, you should be wary of any unidentifiable species of ants coming into contact with your dog. If your dog has an allergic reaction to the bite of an ant, it is important to take them to a veterinarian.
Dogs who are sensitive to ant bites or stings can show worrisome signs that need veterinarian treatment. When dealing with a dog who has been bitten by fire ants or with ant infestations, protect yourself with rubber or silicone gloves and move your dog to a safe area away from the infestation. Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
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Can Dogs Eat Ants? How Safe Is It?
FAQ
What do you do if your dog eats ants?
Depending on the type and amount of ant poison ingested, the veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb the poison, or providing supportive care, such as intravenous fluids. If left untreated, ant poison ingestion can be fatal.
Can ants make a dog sick?
Yes, dogs can generally eat ants without getting sick. Ants are not toxic to dogs, and many dogs may accidentally ingest them while exploring their environment. However, while most ants are harmless, some species can bite or sting, which might cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some dogs.
What to do if a dog eats ant rid?
If you suspect your dog has ingested an ant trap, it’s important to contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control hotline immediately for guidance. Providing them with information about the specific product and the amount consumed can help them assess the situation better.
What happens if ants get in dog food?
Ants themselves are not harmful to dogs if they find their way into their food bowls. Ants are a source of protein and vitamin c, however, if food is infested with ants do not feed it to your dog. The ants may have ingested ‘pest control” treatments or powders, which may be harmful to your dog.
What happens if a dog eats ant traps?
However, a dog that ate several traps could become sick. You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats several ant traps: In addition, if your dog eats the plastic traps, these can also cause problems, such as intestinal obstruction. You may notice these symptoms if your dog has an intestinal obstruction:
How can one know if they are allergic to fire ant bites?
There are a few ways to know if you are allergic to fire ant bites. 1. Your medical history: If you have a history of allergies, such as allergies to bees or wasps, you are more likely to be allergic to fire ants. 2. The severity of your reaction: If you have a severe reaction to a fire ant bite, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, you are more likely to be allergic to fire ants. 3. A skin test: A skin test can be done to determine if you are allergic to fire ant venom. This test involves injecting a small amount of fire ant venom into your skin. If you have an allergic reaction, you will develop a red, swollen, itchy bump at the injection site. 4. A blood test: A blood test can also be done to determine if you are allergic to fire ant venom. This test looks for antibodies to fire ant venom in your blood.
Why do dogs eat ants?
Simply put, dogs eat ants because they are in, or in the way of, their food! If a dog finds ants in his food bowl, he’s more than likely to eat his meal even if he does notice them. In most cases, ants are harmless and actually provide extra protein and Vitamin C for your dog’s benefit. Is it normal for a dog to eat ants?
Can dogs eat ants?
Ants are harmless in most cases and are great little “vitamins” for dogs due to their protein, vitamin, and mineral content! It’s not uncommon for dogs to have ants in their food. As in, ground-up ants can be added to dog kibble as extra protein. Think about it for a moment. Even humans are known for eating all kinds of insects, including ants.
Can dogs eat red ants?
If you’ve noticed, as mentioned above, that your dog’s food has red or fire ants in it, you’ll want to start watching for signs of stinging or biting immediately. These red ants are incredibly defensive and will attack back if your dog tries to eat them. Classic black ants don’t often bite, but they can if threatened.
Can ants bite a dog?
The main exception would be fire ants, which can produce intensely painful bites and stings. Other types of ants may bite your pet if provoked but are less likely to cause a bad reaction unless your pet is allergic. Ant allergies in pets are thought to be rare but can quickly turn severe.