With the arrival of spring comes longer days, warmer temperatures, and sadly…bugs. Just as well begin venturing outside again, so too do the insects that can annoy and even frighten us. While most are harmless to us, and our pets, there are some that are worthy of the disdain they receive.
Since you and your dog are likely to be spending more time outside, here are five bugs that can cause issues for your dog.
- Fleas and Ticks
Perhaps the bane of every dog owner’s existence, the dreaded and often encountered fleas and ticks. These two creepy crawly pests are rightfully placed together – since they often go hand in hand. These tiny bugs live off your dog’s blood, making a home in their dense fur and hiding in spots we often can’t see. Fleas cause a lot of irritation and if not handled swiftly can quickly lead to an infestation that affects your home. And like fleas, ticks can pass on illnesses (especially Lyme Disease) and other pathogens just from one singular bite. There’s a reason your veterinarian insists on flea and tick prevention medication – it’s worth its weight in gold! - Mosquitoes
These bugs are just as annoying to dogs as they are humans. And just like they can with humans, mosquitoes can pass on diseases to dogs when they bite them. While less common, they can also cause heartworm in dogs. It is worth avoiding taking your dog around standing water and using other methods like bug spray and citronella candles to keep mosquitoes at bay. Avoiding mosquito bites overall is quite difficult, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Your dog will likely just be itchy. - Bees and Wasps
We share space with plenty of insects, bees and wasps among them. Clumsy dogs can step on these flying insects accidentally, or even get too close to a nest. Wasps are more likely to sting with little provocation, causing painful welts and irritation to dogs. Many dogs will experience swelling which may need veterinary care. Having antihistamines on hand in the case of a sting is a good way to stay one step ahead. - Brown Recluse and Black Widow Spiders
In North America, only two species of spider are venomous. The Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders both contain venom that can wreak havoc on our beloved dogs. While symptoms of the poison may not be noticeable for several days, they include: rash, lethargy, fever and more. It’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible to avoid the venom damaging the tissue and organs of your dog.
Asian Lady Beetles
The beloved Lady Bug’s close twin, Asian Lady Beetles are often mistaken for their aforementioned counterpart. These beetles typically gather in large groups on homes and buildings near windows. While seemingly harmless, if your dog gets a sudden appetite for Asian Lady Beetles, it can come with a dose of pain. Asian Lady Beetles are known to excrete an irritating chemical compound when threatened. This has been shown to cause chemical-like burns to the inside of dog’s mouths and throat. Best to keep your dog away from any Asian Lady Beetles, if possible.