As the cold weather descends each year, dog owners must be on high alert for seasonal pests that can cause extreme discomfort for their pups. This tiny but mighty creature is adept at stealthily latching onto dogs’ mouths when temperatures drop, irritating the sensitive skin and making eating a painful chore.

The havoc this culprit wreaks is very real. Infestations often strike without warning, leading to intense itching, redness, and even open sores in dogs’ mouths. Left untreated, these mystery pests can endanger your dog’s health.

Luckily, with proper vigilance, dog owners can spot the signs of an infestation early and take steps to banish these annual pests before they take hold. In this article, you’ll learn how to thoroughly inspect your dog’s mouth, why these pests thrive in the winter, and how to provide relief if your pup is affected.

Protecting Your Dog Against These Seasonal Pests – The “Asian Lady Beetle”

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. 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 A Lady Beetle Infestation

Here are some signs that Asian lady beetles may have infested your home:

• Large numbers of lady beetles clustering on the exterior of the home on sunny walls. They may congregate in cracks and crevices.
• Beetles spotted crawling on windows and trying to get inside. They are attracted to warmth and light.
• Finding numerous dead lady beetles in window sills and window wells. This indicates they are trying to enter.
• Presence of larvae – Look for congregation of yellow-orange larvae with black spots in wall voids and attics.
• A foul, bitter smell coming from places where lady beetles are clustered. They secrete this for defense.
• Unexplained stains or odors on walls, ceilings, or floors. Dead lady beetles can leave behind stains.

• Dogs exhibiting mouth discomfort symptoms after being inside areas where lady beetles are present.

Taking steps to seal up entry points, vacuum up larvae, and clear clusters outside can help prevent infestations that put your dog at risk. Let me know if you need any pest control recommendations to keep these beetles at bay.

Here are some signs that your dog may have an infestation of Asian lady beetles in its mouth during the winter months:

• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth – Asian lady beetles secrete a foul-tasting liquid that causes dog’s to drool and foam more than usual.
• Pawing at the mouth – The irritation from the beetles clinging to the roof of the mouth causes dogs to constantly paw at their mouths.

• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating – The presence of the beetles can make chewing and swallowing painful. Affected dogs may turn up their noses at food.
• Reddened gums or roof of the mouth – The beetles’ tiny legs grasp the soft tissues of the mouth, causing inflammation and redness where they attach.
• Coughing or gagging – Some dogs will cough or retch as they try to dislodge the beetles.
• Bad breath – The secretions from the beetles and wounds they inflict contribute to an unusually foul doggy breath.
• Multiple beetles visible in the mouth – Parting your dog’s lips to inspect inside may reveal numerous tiny black beetles clinging to the roof of the mouth and gums.

Keeping an eye out for these signs can help catch an Asian lady beetle infestation early and get your dog prompt relief. Let me know if you need any other details!