So how common are the invasive species? The AVMA states the following: “Our info is limited, but it appears that—as with many invasive species—the invasive species is expanding and crowding out the native species. But we don’t know relative numbers.”
The case above is the only one that’s been documented, but a veterinarian from Florida reportedly has seen similar cases in her practice. Still, pet owners would see signs of drowsiness or drooling if their dog was affected with an issue from eating the bugs. In other words, it’s not necessary to obsessively check your dog’s mouth for beetle infestation unless you see symptoms.
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While it is rare that ladybugs themselves would poison a dog, it is still possible that they can have a negative impact on your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. This is rare, but there are signs to look out for:
The AVMA explained on Facebook that the bugs in question were not ladybugs, but an invasive species called Asian lady beetles, which caused a problem in a dog who consumed about 16 of them. According to the 2008 abstract, after the dog ate the bugs, they secreted a mucous that caused them to become lodged on the top of the dog’s mouth, causing corrosion similar to a chemical burn.
Are Asian Lady Beetles a Threat to Dogs?
When attacked, Asian lady beetles release body fluids (called hemolymph) containing stinky and poisonous chemicals. “Hemolymph is corrosive, and can cause chemical burns to the mouth and/or gastrointestinal tract. It also has a strong repellent odor and foul taste,” says Dr. Elizabeth Doll, a veterinarian with WVRC Emergency and Specialty Pet Care in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
That awful taste and odor is why few dogs will attempt to eat more than a few of them, she says. Dog and beetle conflicts are so rare, that aside from anecdotal reports (like Bailey’s), a lone formal published paper exists on the subject. In this case, the patient had 16 Asian lady beetles embedded in the mucous membrane covering the hard palate, Doll says.
If a dog quickly swallows the beetles, erosion to the mouth appears to be minimal, says Dr. Nancy C. Hinkle, professor of veterinary entomology in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia, Athens. “Likely the dog will quickly seek water to wash away the taste—which is a good thing, because it minimizes the chance that beetles will get stuck in the esophagus.”
If the chemical burns are not treated properly, an infection could develop and potentially become serious. “Luckily for any dog with damage to their mouth, the gums and tissues of the mouth heal very quickly—usually within seven days,” says Dr. Jonathan Babyak, clinical assistant professor in the Emergency and Critical Care Department at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
The cases that Mitchell saw, “were limited to anorexia due to painful ulcerations in the mouth,” she says. “The ulcers calmed down with manual removal of the beetles and treatment of the ulcers.”
But Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary advisor with petMD, adds, “While I’ve not seen any cases myself, veterinarians have reported a few cases of dogs ingesting these beetles and subsequently developing vomiting, diarrhea, and other signs of gastroenteritis. One dog even died as a result.”
“The lady beetle can be nuisance when they fly to buildings in search of overwintering sites and end up indoors. Once inside they crawl about on windows, walls, attics, etc., often emitting a noxious odor and yellowish staining fluid before dying”, said The University of Kentucky Entomology.
University of Minnesota Extension gave a detailed list on how to protect your homes from lady beetles.
The lady beetle are severely worse for pets, specially dogs since they like to attack. When attacked, Asian lady beetles release body fluids (called hemolymph) containing stinky and poisonous chemicals, according to PetMD.
They can secrete a strong-smelling yellowish liquid from the joints of their legs. This liquid can stain light colored surfaces. Exposure to dead lady beetles in buildings can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Have you notice a swarm of multicolored ladybugs on your home? Well those ladybugs are actually called Asian Lady Beetles and they are very harmful for you and your pets.
9 Foods That Will Kill Your Dog
Have you notice a swarm of multicolored ladybugs on your home? Well those ladybugs are actually called Asian Lady Beetles and they are very harmful for you and your pets.
Due to late fall warmth the lady beetles are swarming in large numbers across the Mid-Atlantic. Some Philadelphians already express they seen the lady beetle in their home via Twitter. Unlike the ladybug the lady beetle likes to find there way into your home, according to The University of Kentucky Entomology.
“The lady beetle can be nuisance when they fly to buildings in search of overwintering sites and end up indoors. Once inside they crawl about on windows, walls, attics, etc., often emitting a noxious odor and yellowish staining fluid before dying”, said The University of Kentucky Entomology.
Some can bite hard enough to break human skin, causing minor, short-lived discomfort. These bites happen when the beetles are searching for moisture or food.
They can secrete a strong-smelling yellowish liquid from the joints of their legs. This liquid can stain light colored surfaces. Exposure to dead lady beetles in buildings can cause allergic reactions in some people.
The lady beetle are severely worse for pets, specially dogs since they like to attack. When attacked, Asian lady beetles release body fluids (called hemolymph) containing stinky and poisonous chemicals, according to PetMD.
“Hemolymph is corrosive, and can cause chemical burns to the mouth and/or gastrointestinal tract. It also has a strong repellent odor and foul taste,” says Dr. Elizabeth Doll, a veterinarian with WVRC Emergency and Specialty Pet Care in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
If you dog decides to eat one the lady beetle can embed in their mouth and can cause chemicals burns. Possible side effects after ingesting large quantities of beetles include reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea that may be bloody, and lethargy. If any of these signs are present PetMD suggest you call your vet for an immediate evaluation.
University of Minnesota Extension gave a detailed list on how to protect your homes from lady beetles.