Last Updated: 23/12/2025
How to Identify and Treat Insect Bites on Dogs: A Vet's Guide
Is your dog itching or swollen? Discover how to identify common Australian insect bites, including bees, ants, mosquitoes, and spiders. This vet-guide covers symptom recognition, soothing home treatments, and vital signs of allergic reactions.
Author: Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Reading Time: 19 minutes - medium read
As the Australian sun warms up and we head outdoors for beach trips and bushwalks, we aren't the only ones enjoying the weather. The hum of a summer afternoon often brings unwelcome guests: mosquitoes, bees, and feisty ants. While a minor nibble might just cause a temporary itch, some insect encounters can lead to painful swelling or serious allergic reactions for our furry friends. Understanding which critter caused that red bump and knowing how to respond - whether with a cool compress at home or a dash to the emergency vet - is essential for every pet parent. Let’s look at how to safeguard your pooch so they can enjoy the great outdoors safely.
Identifying insect bites: What are the signs?
There are a vast number of insects that can bite our pets, resulting in a vast array of associated symptoms that you may see. However, the most common symptom is raised, red lumps or hives.
Just like humans, some dogs can experience an allergic, or anaphylactic reaction to an insect bite, and this is discussed below.
The individual symptoms of different insects is discussed in more detail below.
Where to identify insect bites
Sometimes the location of the bite can give us an indication of the likely insect that caused the bite. This is due to the lifestyle, habitat and nature of the insects, as well as the habits of our beloved furry friends. For example, if your dog has been sniffing around in a rose bush, they are probably going to get stung by a bee on their face!
Common bite locations include:
- Muzzle/Nose - Bees, Wasps, Ants and Spiders
- Face - Ticks, Mosquitoes, Flies, Bees and Wasps
- Ears - Mosquitoes, Biting Flies, Ticks and Fleas
- Neck - Fleas
- Back - Fleas (particularly near tail base), Mosquitoes and Biting Flies
- Belly - Fleas and Ants
- Legs and Paws - Ants, Spiders, Ticks, occasionally Bees and Wasps. Fleas on back of legs, and inside thighs.
Allergic reactions in dogs: When it becomes an emergency
Dogs can potentially have a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic reaction to any insect bite. Allergic reactions are severe, can potentially be life threatening and require immediate veterinary attention.
Seek immediate veterinary treatment if your dog shows any of these signs:
- Swollen face, neck or limbs
- Welts or hives all over the body
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Whole body itching
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Inappetence
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Pale gums
- Dizziness, disorientation or staggered gait
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Collapse
- Loss of Consciousness
Signs of an allergic reaction typically present within 20 minutes of a bite occurring, however, sometimes a delayed reaction may occur, not presenting for up to 4 hours. If you see any of the above symptoms at any point following an insect bite, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Preventing mosquitoes and other insect bites at home
There are a number of ways that you can prevent insect bites on your pet. From mosquitoes to spiders, try implementing some of the below strategies to reduce the number of biting insects in your house and garden.
Use parasite preventatives year round
The first step is keeping up to date with parasite prevention. Most of these will keep your dog protected from fleas, ticks, mites and lice. We recommend using reputable products, such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparica.
For full details on the level of parasite prevention your dog needs and which products are the best, check out our Flea Tick and Worming Guide for Dogs.
While most standard flea and tick treatments are great for common parasites, they often don’t protect against stinging or biting insects like mosquitoes and flies.
When looking for extra protection, it is vital to avoid human insect repellents. Ingredients like DEET and certain essential oils (including Citronella) are toxic to dogs. You should also be cautious with products containing Pyrethroids (such as Permethrin); these must be used strictly as directed and kept far away from cats, as they are highly toxic to our feline friends.
The good news? There is a safe, registered preventative designed specifically to protect your dog from mosquitoes, midges, and biting flies: Advantix.
Advantix
Advantix is a fast-acting spot-on protecting your dog from flying biting insects, fleas, and ticks. This water-resistant formula is designed to kill and repel pests on contact, ensuring your dog stays comfortable and protected. It needs to be used with caution in households with cats, as Advantix is highly toxic to our feline friends.
Remove insect habitats
To keep your yard safe, the best strategy is to make it an unwelcoming environment for pests by removing their favourite places to live and breed.
- Eliminate stagnant water: Mosquitoes love shallow, still water. Empty any containers where water accumulates and change your dog’s water bowl daily. For a more permanent solution, a pet water fountain keeps water moving to discourage breeding.
- Maintain dog pools: If your pooch has a wading pool, refresh the water regularly and keep a close eye out for "wrigglers" (mosquito larvae).
- Clear spider hideouts: Spiders thrive in dark, undisturbed corners. Minimise their habitat by removing old tyres, woodpiles, rubbish, and fallen leaf litter.
- Organise the shed: Keep garden sheds tidy and prevent clutter from piling up in corners. It’s also a good idea to keep these areas off-limits to your pets.
- Call in the pros: If you spot a wasp nest or bee hive, contact a professional for safe removal. Always keep your pup safely indoors while the work is being done.
Reduce potential exposure
Actively reducing the time your dog spends around biting insects is one of the best ways to keep them comfortable. Here are some simple ways to lower their risk:
- Practice lead safety: Keep your dog on a lead during walks to stop them from wandering into ant nests or sniffing around bee-heavy flower beds.
- Focus on training: Work on a solid "recall" command so you can quickly call your dog away if they start chasing or snapping at bees and wasps.
- Manage the environment: Use fly screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out of the house. For outdoor pens, consider using fine fly mesh to create a protected zone.
- Time your walks wisely: Avoid being outdoors during peak insect times. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, while bees and wasps are busiest during the middle of the day.
- Avoid high-risk areas: Steer clear of swampy, dark, or damp locations where insects tend to congregate.
- Use physical barriers: In high-insect areas, lightweight dog coats or boots can provide an extra layer of protection for vulnerable skin.
- Set safe traps: Use pet-safe traps, like a mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap, ensuring they are placed well out of your dog's reach.
Use nature to your advantage
Fight nature with nature by using insect-repelling plants around your home. Many plants have natural defences that deter mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, but it is important to choose varieties that are safe for your furry friends.
- Pet-friendly picks: Basil, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Catnip, and Marigolds are excellent choices that are safe for dogs.
- Natural hunters: The Venus Fly Trap is non-toxic and can help catch stray flies, though it may cause mild tummy upset if eaten.
- Placement matters: Use planter boxes, hanging baskets, or indoor pots to keep repellent plants in high-traffic areas.
- Safety first: Always check if a plant is toxic before bringing it home. If you must have a toxic variety, ensure it is planted well out of your dog's reach.
For more information, read through:
Invite predator species to the garden
Invite nature's natural predators into your garden to help manage biting insects. By creating a wildlife-friendly space, you can reduce the number of mosquitoes, flies, and spiders around your home.
- Attract the "Mosquito Hawks": Dragonflies can eat over 100 mosquitoes a day, along with midges and flies.
- Encourage frogs and lizards: These locals snack on everything from mosquito larvae and crickets to cockroaches and spiders.
- Welcome insectivore birds: Species like Swallows, Robins, and Magpies are excellent at cleaning up flying insects around the yard.
- Create a water haven: A small pond (30–50cm deep) with aquatic plants and partially shaded rocks will attract dragonflies, frogs, and birds.
- Build a "frog hotel": If a pond isn't an option, use PVC pipes and moist, frog-friendly plants to create a safe home for native frogs.
- Use native plants: Species like Canna Lilies, Papyrus, and Marsh Flower attract beneficial wildlife. Always check the ASPCA toxic plant list to ensure your choices are dog-safe.
- Manage unwanted guests: To deter toxic cane toads, plant dense shrubbery around water features and remove any string-like black eggs immediately.
- Safety first: Ensure any water features are safe for curious dogs and children. To avoid attracting bees near play areas, use repellent plants like Basil and Rosemary.
How to treat insect bites on dogs at home
Most mild insect bites and stings will settle within 24–48 hours. If you identify a tick or suspect a spider bite, head to the vet immediately. For other common bites, you can provide relief at home with these steps:
- Remove any stingers: If a bee has left a stinger behind, scrape it away using a credit card or fingernail. Avoid using tweezers, as squeezing the stinger can inject more venom into your dog.
- Use a cold compress: Apply a cool pack or frozen veggies wrapped in a towel for 5–10 minutes. This helps reduce localised pain and swelling.
- Stop the scratching: Prevent your dog from licking or biting the site to avoid secondary infections. You may need an Elizabethan collar (the "cone of shame") or a pet t-shirt to protect the area.
- Soothe the itch: For multiple bites, a cool oatmeal bath can provide relief. For a single spot, a thick paste of baking soda and water applied directly to the bite can help calm the skin.
- Monitor for 24 hours: While most reactions happen quickly, some can be delayed. Watch closely for signs of a severe allergic reaction (like facial swelling or vomiting) or signs of infection (like heat, redness, or discharge) over the following days.
When to seek veterinary assistance
With so many biting insects and potential reactions, you might be struggling to determine what warrants a vet visit and what can be managed at home. Here are the key indicators of when to seek veterinary care:
First time bites: If your pet has never been bitten by an insect before, or by this specific insect, then it's a good idea to take them into the Vet for monitoring in case any severe reactions occur.
Signs of Anaphylaxis: An allergic or anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency. Any signs of anaphylaxis indicate immediate veterinary care.
History of severe reactions: If your pet has a history of anaphylactic reaction to bites or severe reactions, then be prepared and take them in as soon as they are bitten.
Spider bites: Spider bites are poorly understood and can have a wide variety of reactions, some are potentially even fatal. If you suspect a spider bite, it should be treated as an emergency.
If you're uncertain: If you have any concerns, your dog seems to be very uncomfortable or the bites don't appear to be healing, then it is always a good idea to seek veterinary consultation.
Signs of infection: Insect bites can be susceptible to secondary infection from bacteria on the skin, under nails or in the mouth. If you notice persistent swelling, persistent redness, heat, discharge and pain.
FAQs
Everyday your dog is potentially at risk from being bitten by a vast variety of insects and arachnids. To provide them with the greatest chance of protection, be sure to implement a variety of preventative measures around your home. Learning how to recognise and treat the most common bites will prepare you for a prompt response when a bite does occur, especially in the event of a spider bite, paralysis tick or anaphylactic reaction. If you are ever in doubt, feel free to contact us, or take your pet in to their local Vet for examination and prompt treatment.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 23 Dec 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Brittany Ward BVSc
Veterinarian
Dr. Brittany graduated from James Cook University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and started working in her home town in the Wide Bay-Burnett Region. She has always been excited about working in the veterinary industry, but over the last few years has grown especially fond of dog behaviour and training, surgery and orthopaedic disease.
