It’s been a while since the gruesome photo of a dog’s bug-infested mouth circulated the internet, but we can’t forget about it just yet. Regrettably, this poor pup might not be an isolated case. In fact, Asian lady beetles might find themselves making a home in the roof of your dog’s mouth. As it gets colder, these painful pests are looking for warm, humid places to call home, including your dog’s mouth.
If your dog likes to sniff around the garden, they might encounter a lady beetle or two. These bugs react negatively when disturbed and are the only bugs of their type that will bite if threatened. If they manage to latch onto the top of your dog’s mouth, they will dig in and stay there. While some dogs might be able to wash them away by drinking water, others might not be able to shake these pests.
Signs Of Lady Beetle Infestations
Once they’ve made themselves at home, the beetles might begin releasing small amounts of poison, which can cause ulcers and foaming at the mouth.
If you notice your dog is refusing to eat, acting unusually, or foaming at the mouth, do a wellness check. Run a finger along the ridges of their mouth, and check for anything strange. If you spot a bug or two, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
A vet can remove the bugs with tweezers, and the remaining injuries can be treated with typical antibiotics. If the problem is solved early on, no lasting damage should be done. Vets are asking that pet owners keep a close eye on their dogs, especially if they’ve seen lady beetles around.
The Differences Between Lady Beetles And Ladybugs
It’s also important to note that Asian lady beetles aren’t ladybugs, but an invasive species that resembles them. Known to most as the ladybug’s “evil twin,” Asian lady beetles can come in other colors like orange and yellow, and sport a small white “M” on their foreheads.
Asian lady beetles will also attempt to enter your home when the weather gets cold, so make sure to caulk up any openings and get rid of infestations quickly.
Have you seen Asian lady beetles in your area? If so, has one ever tried to make its way into your dog’s mouth? Tell us in the comments below. The more people that are aware of this issue, the better off our pups will be.
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