HOISINGTON, KANSAS — A dog known for having a passion for biting bugs finally got bit back.
Over the past few weeks, Bailey the dog had been sleeping more than usual. When it came time to eat, her owner noticed she wasn’t interested in her food and was skipping meals. The owner became alarmed when she noticed Bailey had begun foaming at the mouth.
Concerned, she took Bailey to the vet, who discovered between 30 and 40 orange ladybugs, or more accurately referred to as Asian lady beetles, hanging off the roof of the dog’s mouth.
The Asian lady beetles pack a painful bite, which can cause ulcers on a dog’s tongue and mouth if left unchecked. The veterinarian says if found, pet owners can solve the problem by picking them off, one by one. The veterinarian cautions that the beetles should not be squished, as they produce a powerful stench and yellow secretion if crushed.
The Asian lady beetles have made their presence felt across Kansas recently because one of their main food sources, sugarcane aphids, have sprung up in large numbers. Their population swell has led to many dogs in the region being brought in with the same oral affliction.
