With so many insects in the world, it’s important to know what different insect or bug bites might look like on your dog. Not all of these bites will necessarily require treatment, but you still should be aware of any possible reactions. Making sure you know how to keep your dog healthy and safe from these bites is an important aspect of dog ownership. Here is a dog owner’s guide to insect bites on dogs:

Common Bug Bites on Dogs

There are a few fairly common bug bites on dogs that you may see over the course of your dog’s life. These common bug bites may include:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Mosquitos
• Mites
• Bees
• Wasps
• Hornets
• Ants
• Biting flies
• Spiders

Depending on where you live, some of these insect bites might be much more common than others. However, it’s still a good idea to have a good working knowledge of any potential insect bites.

What Do Insect Bites Look Like on Dogs?

Insect bites are a common skin problem in dogs. While some bites look similar, other bites are very distinct. However, there are often similar signs that apply to most insect bites. Here are some signs and symptoms of bug bites on dogs:

• Swelling
• Lumps
• Skin redness
• Inflamed skin where the bite is
• Red spots on the skin
• Skin lesions that are sometimes filled with pus
• Scratching at the area
• Facial swelling
• Hives

Sometimes insect bites can be serious and cause more serious symptoms, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting or diarrhea
• Breathing issues (if it causes an allergic reaction)
• Anaphylactic shock

These include some symptoms that you should not ignore in your dog. If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, make sure you call your vet immediately. Your dog may require immediate medical attention.

How to Identify and Treat Insect Bites on Dogs

Insect bites can appear differently, so it’s essential to be able to distinguish between various types. The right treatment often also varies depending on the bite. Here’s how to identify and treat insect bites on dogs:

1. Fleas

Fleas are one of the most common insect bites you will see on your dog.

What Flea Bites Look Like on Dogs

If your dog has fleas, you will see some small, red spots on the skin, and it may be hard to tell if it’s a flea bite or another insect bite. To determine if it’s a flea bite, you need to look around for flea dirt as well as live fleas. Flea dirt is a combination of fecal matter and dried blood, and it looks like tiny black specs on the skin. Fleas, as well as flea dirt, are often found on a dog’s hind legs, tail, or lower back. Flea dirt is one of the most common signs your dog has fleas.

Sometimes, dogs might have an allergic reaction to the saliva of a flea, which can lead to flea bite dermatitis. This skin condition will cause itchiness all over your dog’s body, as well as hair loss and sores due to excessive scratching. This might be why your dog is so itchy, and all the extra scratching and trauma to the skin may lead to bacterial or yeast infections that may develop alongside the flea allergy.

How to Treat Flea Bites

If your dog has any flea bites, make sure to go over every inch of your dog’s fur with a flea comb to remove any fleas that may still be hiding in their fur. To relieve any itching or irritated skin, ask your vet for any recommendations for a topical treatment. You can also try an oatmeal bath to help soothe the skin; however, make sure to check with your veterinarian first, just in case.

Flea prevention is the best way to protect your dog from fleas. Making sure your dog has a regular tick and flea prevention routine is imperative to keep fleas at bay. There are plenty of preventative treatments available, such as topical products, flea collars, and oral medications. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian to make sure you are choosing the right product for your dog. You also should be administering this treatment year-round, not just during the spring and summer.

2. Ticks

Ticks are another very common insect that you might find on your dog.

What Tick Bites Look Like on Dogs

These parasites like to hide in your dog’s fur and burrow into their skin. Then, they bite into the skin to draw blood from this unwilling participant. When your dog has a tick bite, you will notice inflamed skin and a circular pattern. It’s often red and may be slightly swollen if the tick has fallen off or been removed. You may also notice a scab over the area. This area will most likely be itchy, so your dog will want to scratch. Because of this, this area may become infected.

If a tick is carrying Lyme disease, you may see a red bull’s eye rash form on the skin. However, this is not always the case. If the tick is still hanging onto your dog’s skin, safely remove the tick from your dog. If you suspect it’s a deer tick, make an appointment with your veterinarian so your dog can be tested for Lyme disease.

You should check your dog daily to make sure they have no ticks. This is especially important if you’ve been in an area where ticks are common. There are a few places to look for ticks on your dog, but pay special attention to the feet, head, ears, and neck. They can also be found between the toes, so a thorough examination is necessary.

How to Treat Tick Bites

If your dog does have a tick bite, you should clean the area with a gentle soap and water. This will help remove any bacteria, allowing the area to heal. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment if you have any on hand.

If you’re not sure what to use, make sure to ask your veterinarian. Keep an eye on the affected area and monitor it for any signs of swelling or infection. If you notice anything, call your veterinarian. They may be able to advise you over the phone or may want to see your dog in the office.

Much like fleas, prevention is imperative in avoiding tick bites. It’s pretty common for flea and tick prevention to be combined into one treatment, so you don’t have to administer two treatments. This preventative measure should be applied year-round to keep your dog safe and healthy. This is an important spring safety tip for dogs that can help protect your dog from ticks.

3. Mosquitos

Mosquitos are very common in certain areas and may be a bite you find on your dog.

What Mosquito Bites Look Like on Dogs

Mosquito bites often tend to look like a raised lesion on the skin, pretty similar to what you see on a human. You can find mosquito bites on almost any area of your dog’s body. However, they do tend to pick areas with less fur. These areas include the belly, their inner legs and groin, as well as their ears.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites

If your dog is bitten by a mosquito, you most likely will not need to treat it unless your dog develops hives. If a dog develops hives, that means they’re having an allergic reaction to a bite, and you should give your vet a call. Your vet may prescribe either an oral antihistamine or a cream to relieve the itching. Don’t give your dog any treatments before consulting with your vet!

While the bite itself is not inherently dangerous, there is always the risk of heartworm disease with mosquitoes. Not every mosquito will carry the heartworm disease, but if they are carrying it, it can be spread through a bite.

This is one of the reasons it’s really important to make sure your dog is protected against heartworm disease. Your dog should be on a year-round heartworm preventative medication to keep them safe against this disease. These are just a few things you should know about heartworm in dogs.

You can also take some measures to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Keep mosquitoes at bay in your yard. Contact a pest control company to see if they offer a spray mosquito repellent. Be sure to follow the directions regarding how long to keep your pets off the grass, but this might be a useful option to keep mosquitoes from biting your dog and your family! There are also some pet-safe bug sprays to try, and even some safe homemade bug spray. Ask your vet for any recommendations they might have.

4. Mites

Another common insect bite you will see on your dog is mites.

What Mite Bites Look Like on Dogs

Unfortunately, mites are so tiny that they can’t be seen with the naked eye, and neither can their bites. However, if your dog has enough bites in the same area, your dog’s fur will start to fall out in those spots. Depending on the type of mites, they might cause mange. There are a few kinds of mites, most commonly Sarcoptes scabiei, Demodex canis, and Demodex injal.

Sarcoptes Scabiei Mites

If Sarcoptes scabiei mites are present, your dog may develop sarcoptic mange and be extremely itchy. Secondary infections, like bacteria or yeast infections, can also occur from all the scratching. These mites are extremely contagious and are spread through contact with infected dogs or foxes. This can be spread to humans, so be cautious!

Demodex Canis and Demodex Injal Mites

Demodex canis and Demodex injal mites are normally found on dogs and do not usually cause itchiness. However, they can lead to bacterial infections, especially if the dog is young or has a compromised immune system.. If so, the skin can appear red, be crusty, or have pustules.

Ear Mites

Your dog may also have ear mites, known as Otodectes cynotis. These tiny mites resemble spiders and live in your dog’s ear canal. If your dog has ear mites, you will see a dark residue that almost looks like coffee grounds in their ear.

You will probably notice your dog shaking their head or pawing at their ear. Ear mites also often lead to ear infections, which is a common health problem in dogs, but can be easily remedied with a visit to the vet.

How to Treat Mite Bites

If your dog has mites, these bites can be treated and managed with a few different treatments. You should immediately clean the area with soap and water and then use an ice pack or a cool compress to help manage swelling and itching. Make an appointment to see your veterinarian, and they may recommend using a topical cream to help relieve the itching.

In more severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a topical steroid as well as an oral medication to relieve swelling and itching. Be sure to keep your dog from scratching the area because even if you don’t notice any redness or swelling, scratching can exacerbate those symptoms and make the area worse.

If your dog has ear mites, there are a few different ways to treat the bites. Your vet may recommend an oral medication or a topical ointment. You also want to clean their ears regularly. Getting these taken care of is important because they can spread to other dogs as well as cats.

Prevention is really important in preventing mites. Make sure your dog does not come into contact with any foxes or infected dogs. You can also check for flea and tick preventatives that also protect against mites. Regular grooming is helpful in keeping mites at bay, as well.

5. Bees, Hornets, and Wasps

Stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets are other common insects that can harm your dog.

What Stings Look Like on Dogs

When a dog is stung by a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket, they can experience significant pain. Your dog may let out a yelp or whimper and begin to lick the area. The area may begin to swell, and if your dog is stung on their paw or leg, they may begin to limp. You may see some redness, too

There is a possibility that your dog may have an allergic reaction, like if your dog’s face is swollen. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Excessive itchiness
• Breathing difficulties
• Moderate to severe swelling in the area of the sting
• Hives
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea

If any of these symptoms arise, this is life-threatening, and you need to call your closest veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

How to Treat Bee, Wasp, and Hornet Stings

If your dog is stung, you should try to reduce swelling of the area using a cold compress or ice pack. Call your veterinarian if the swelling doesn’t go down or if you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Your vet may prescribe medication or recommend an over-the-counter medication that’s safe for your dog, like an antihistamine or pain relief, depending on your dog’s symptoms. However, make sure you consult your vet before giving your dog any medication.

6. Ants

Another common insect bite on dogs is bites from ants.

What Ant Bites Look Like on Dogs

If your dog gets bitten by an ant, especially a fire ant, it can cause some pain. The bite will look like a red raised lesion and may have a center filled with pus. In severe cases, your dog may experience an allergic reaction, especially if they are bitten by multiple ants at the same time.

If your dog experiences an allergic reaction, you may notice symptoms such as

• Breathing difficulties
• Itchiness
• Facial swelling
• Moderate to severe swelling in the area of the bite
• Hives
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea

If any of these symptoms occur, call your vet immediately because this may be a life-threatening situation.

How to Treat Ant Bites

If your dog is bitten by an ant or fire ant, use an ice pack to help reduce the pain or swelling. If your dog is bitten by a few ants at the same time, call your vet to see if they can prescribe an antihistamine or recommend something over-the-counter with the correct dosage for your dog.

7. Biting Flies

Biting flies are also another common insect bite on dogs.

What Biting Fly Bites Look Like on Dogs

There are a variety of flies that can leave painful bites on a dog’s body. These include horseflies, sand flies, black flies, and deer flies. If your dog is bitten by one of these biting flies, you will probably notice a raised bump on the skin that is red and may have slight swelling. These red spots are common skin problems in dogs, especially if you live in an area with a lot of biting flies.

How to Treat Biting Fly Bites

If your dog is bitten by a biting fly, apply a cold compress or ice pack to offer some relief from the pain and bring down the swelling. Some dogs may be allergic to the bite and will have an allergic reaction if bitten. Symptoms that your dog is having an allergic reaction to a biting fly include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Itchiness
• Facial swelling
• Moderate to severe swelling in the area of the bite
• Hives
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea

If any of these symptoms occur, call your vet immediately because this may be a life-threatening situation, or quickly become one without medical attention.

8. Spiders

Although dogs may get curious about spiders or explore places where they might be, most of the time, spider bites are not concerning for dogs. In the United States, the most common spider species don’t have painful bites. Spider bites on dogs are relatively uncommon, and when they do occur, they tend to be harmless in most cases. However, there are some exceptions.

Black Widow and Brown Recluse

The exceptions to this are bites from Black Widow spiders and Brown Recluse spiders, which tend to cause more intense pain and discomfort to dogs. But, they also tend to be less dangerous to dogs than to humans, cats, horses, and other animals. In some cases, bites from Brown Recluse spiders can lead to slow-healing sores and infections that cause other issues.

There is a chance that a Black Widow bite could cause more severe symptoms in dogs and lead to death. Although death from a Black Widow bite is more common in cats than in dogs, you don’t want to take the risk. If you suspect a spider bite, it’s best to contact your vet, especially if you think it could be from a Black Widow.

Other Spiders in the US

Bites from Brown Widow spiders tend to be painful for dogs, but not necessarily dangerous. Bites from Red Widow spiders can cause intense discomfort. Bites from Wolf spiders, Yellow Sac spiders, and Hobo spiders may be irritating and cause some mild swelling and pain. If left untreated, bites from Hobo spiders can lead to skin infections.

What Spider Bites Look Like on Dogs

It’s important to note that most spider bites are harmless for dogs and may just cause some mild redness or irritation. However, some bites can cause more serious reactions. It all depends on the type of spider and the dogs. Here’s what spider bites can look like on dogs:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Tissue damage (blisters or sores, red ring or lesion around the bite, necrosis, etc.)

Other Symptoms in Dogs That Can Be Related to Spider Bites

Depending on the spider bite and how the dog is reacting to it, you may also see some of these symptoms:

• Joint Pain
• Itching
• Muscle cramps
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Restlessness

How to Treat Spider Bites

Even though most spider bites are harmless to dogs, it’s generally a good idea to visit the vet if you find one on your dog, especially if you suspect there is a chance of it being from a Black Widow or Brown Recluse. If your dog is exhibiting more severe symptoms, like intense discomfort or pain, trouble breathing, vomiting, etc., it’s important to get them to the vet as soon as possible.

Treatment of Spider Bites at Home

The right treatment will depend on the spider bite and the symptoms your dog is experiencing. The usual approach to treating a spider bite with mild symptoms at home includes:

• Cleaning the bite area
• Applying a cool compress
• Giving an antihistamine under guidance from your vet
• Using an e-collar or other method to keep your dog from licking or scratching the area while it heals

Treatment of Spider Bites at the Vet

At the vet, depending on the severity of the symptoms, potential treatments for spider bites can include:

• Cleaning the bite area
• Administering pain medication and/or anti-inflammatories
• Giving an anti-venom
• Prescribing antibiotics
• Recommending a dosage of antihistamines
• Providing oxygen therapy and IV fluids

How to Prevent Bug Bites on Dogs

Often, the best way to keep your dog safe from bug bites is to prevent them in the first place. Here’s how to prevent bug bites on dogs:

1. Use preventive treatments.
2. Use a dog-safe insect repellent.
3. Call pest control.
4. Stay away from high-risk areas.

1. Use Preventive Treatments

Some of these pests can be deterred from biting your dog with some preventative medication. For pests like fleas, ticks, and mites, look into a regular treatment topical option. This is a great way to prepare your dog for tick season, so be sure to keep up with a regular schedule. Not only will these protect your dog from getting bitten, but they will also help protect them against diseases these pests carry.

You can look for a preventative medication that covers a variety of pests. Many flea and tick medications protect against heartworm, which can be carried by mosquitoes. If you have any questions or need recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice.

2. Use a Dog-Safe Insect Repellent

Another way you can use preventative measures to protect your dog against insect bites is to use dog-safe insect repellent. Keep in mind that these should be used in tandem with other preventative measures, such as regular flea and tick treatment.

However, using a dog-friendly insect repellent can help keep bugs like ants and mosquitoes from biting your dog and causing some discomfort. Ask your vet if they have any recommendations for dog-safe insect repellent.

3. Call Pest Control

If part of your issue is a large number of insects near your home, you may want to contact pest control. This is especially helpful if you have a wasp nest or an area that is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Pest control can work with you to find out the best way to remove something like a wasp or hornet’s nest and can spray against pests like mosquitoes.

If you come across a beehive, don’t call pest control. Try to find a local beekeeper to come and assess the situation. Bees are incredibly important to our ecosystem, so the best option is for the hive to be transported somewhere safer. That way, the bees can keep doing their job while your dog has a much lower risk of getting stung.

4. Stay Away From High-Risk Areas

If you know a certain area of your yard has more pests, try to keep your dog away from those areas. For example, if you find an anthill in your yard, be sure to keep your dog away from it and try to remove the anthill. There are some at-home methods to try, but when in doubt, contact your local pest control.

When taking walks or going on hikes, keep your dog on a leash so they don’t get into any areas with insects that can harm them. Not only is this a useful dog walking tip, but it will also keep your dog from unknowingly getting into an angry hornet’s nest and getting stung!

This is just an overview of a dog owner’s guide to insect bites on dogs. Oftentimes, insect bites are nothing more than a minor nuisance to your dog. However, sometimes the bites can cause or lead to an infection. This is why it’s helpful to be aware of what kind of bites. Your dog may encounter and how to treat them.