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
• 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 trick 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.

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.