Home Remedies for Swollen Dog Ears Bitten by Ants

Ant bites are some of the least common insect bites found on dogs, as the average dog doesn̵7;t care for the taste of ants and usually leaves the small insects alone. However, ants do bite if they are disturbed. If your pet pooch sniffed his way through an anthill and suffered a few bites, the injury is typically not serious enough to warrant a vet̵7;s attention. Instead, relieve the irritation and swelling from the bites with common household items.

  1. Cold Compress

    • The simplest home remedy to treat ant bites is a cold compress. Commercially produced cold compresses work well for this purpose, but you can easily make your own by sealing some ice cubes into a plastic bag. Wrap the bag with a thin towel and hold the compress against the dog̵7;s swollen ear. Keep your dog as comfortable as possible while applying the compress, as the initial cold sensation may be unpleasant before it begins to reduce the swelling. If your dog becomes restless, stop using the compress and try it again later.

    Aloe Vera

    • Aloe vera gel is designed to soothe irritation and burning sensations. Swelling in the ears from an ant bite is likely to be accompanied by these unpleasant sensations, so apply a light coat of aloe vera to the swollen bites on your dog̵7;s ear. Always be careful not to damage the dog̵7;s inner ear when applying any type of medicine or gel to the bites. Repeat the application every few hours as desired.

    Baking Soda Paste

    • Another remedy for relieving swelling and other irritation caused by ant bites is the application of a baking soda paste. Add just enough water to a small amount of baking soda to make a paste. Dab the paste onto the bite site on the ear and let it sit. Repeat this process several times a day until the bites disappear.

    Soothing Lotions

    • Applying soothing lotions to the site of the ant bite can also help reduce swelling and irritation. Milk of magnesia, hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotions are good options. Apply a light coat of lotion a few times per day until the bumps recede, but be careful not to get lotion into the dog̵7;s inner ear.

    Vet Attention

    • Swollen ears in dogs can be a sign of an allergic reaction to the bite of the insect. Allergic reactions can cause swelling in the face, including the ears, eyelids and mouth. Watch your dog carefully for signs of serious allergy, such as wheezing and coughing. These symptoms indicate that your dog̵7;s throat has swelled, which can lead to suffocation if unchecked. If you notice your dog struggling to breathe, take him to the vet immediately and delay the use of home remedies until after the danger has passed.