Protecting Your Pets from Fire Ants

Your dog doesn't know what a fire ant mound looks like. Neither does your cat. They sniff, dig, and walk wherever curiosity takes them—and in North Texas, that can lead to a painful encounter with fire ants. Here's how to protect your pets and what to do if they get stung.

Why Pets Are Especially Vulnerable

Fire ants are aggressive when their mound is disturbed, and pets disturb mounds all the time—sometimes without even realizing it. A dog standing on a mound while sniffing something interesting, a cat investigating freshly turned soil, a puppy digging in the yard—all of these can trigger a fire ant attack.

When fire ants swarm, they climb upward before stinging. For a dog or cat, that means stings on the paws, legs, belly, and face—especially the nose and muzzle, which are often the first body parts to contact the mound. Small dogs, puppies, and kittens face the greatest risk because their smaller body size means venom has a proportionally larger effect.

Signs Your Pet Has Been Stung

Pets can't tell you what happened, so you'll need to watch for behavioral and physical signs:

• Sudden yelping, whining, or agitation

• Excessive licking, biting, or scratching at paws, legs, or belly

• Visible ants crawling on fur or skin

• Red, swollen bumps or welts—especially between toes, on the belly, or around the face

• Limping or reluctance to walk

• Swelling around the muzzle, eyes, or throat

If you see any of these signs after your pet has been outside, check for fire ants and remove them immediately.

What to Do If Your Pet Is Stung

Move your pet away from the area first. Fire ants will continue to swarm and sting as long as your pet is near the mound.

Remove the ants by brushing them off with your hands or a brush. Wear gloves if you have them—fire ants will sting you too. Don't try to rinse the ants off with a hose; this makes them grip harder and sting more. Check between toes, in ears, and around the face where ants can hide in fur.

For mild reactions—localized swelling, itching, and discomfort—a cool bath can help soothe the skin. You can apply a pet-safe anti-itch spray or a thin layer of plain aloe vera to the affected areas. Contact your veterinarian before giving any oral medications; they can advise on appropriate antihistamine dosages based on your pet's size.

When to Call the Vet

Most fire ant stings cause pain and discomfort but aren't life-threatening. However, some pets—like some people—can have severe allergic reactions. Call your veterinarian immediately if you notice:

• Significant facial swelling, especially around the nose or throat

• Difficulty breathing or heavy panting

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Weakness, collapse, or loss of coordination

• Pale gums

These symptoms can indicate anaphylaxis. Puppies, senior pets, and small dogs are at higher risk for serious reactions due to their size. When in doubt, call your vet—it's better to check than to wait.

Preventing Fire Ant Encounters

The best protection is reducing fire ant populations in your yard before an encounter happens. Here's how to lower the risk:

Walk your yard regularly. After rain, fire ant mounds often appear or grow. A quick inspection every few days helps you spot new activity before your pet does.

Keep pets away from visible mounds. If you see a mound, block access to that area until it's been treated. Even a temporary barrier can prevent a painful encounter.

Watch high-risk zones. Fire ants prefer sunny, open areas with well-drained soil. They often build mounds along sidewalks, driveways, fence lines, and at the base of trees—all places pets tend to explore.

Don't leave pet food outside. Fire ants are attracted to food sources, including pet food bowls left on patios or porches. Feed pets indoors or pick up bowls promptly after meals.

Choose pet-safe treatment options. Some fire ant control products can be harmful to pets. If you're treating your yard yourself, read labels carefully and keep pets off treated areas until products have dried or absorbed according to package directions. Better yet, let a professional handle it—they know which products are safe and how to apply them correctly.

A Note on Fire Ant Killers

Be cautious with fire ant bait and killer products around curious pets. If a dog ingests fire ant bait, the active ingredients can cause vomiting, drooling, tremors, and other symptoms. Keep products stored securely, apply them according to directions, and monitor your pets when they're in treated areas. If you suspect your pet has eaten fire ant bait, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Protect your pets all year round. Call Bug Zone at (972) 867-9800 to schedule fire ant treatment using pet-safe methods. Visit bugzonepest.com to learn more about keeping your yard safe for your whole family—four-legged members included.