If you’ve noticed cicadas beginning their growth in your region, you may be more worried than their loud sound. They can also be attracted to dogs of all breeds; as pet parents, there is a possibility that eating one of them could hurt your dog.
Fortunately, cicadas are not poisonous and shouldn’t create problems for your dog’s curious pet. You should, however, not promote the behavior as they can cause stomach upset when they are in large quantities or for pets with sensitive digestive systems.
Can Cicadas Be Harmful to Dogs?
Because cicadas aren’t poisonous or bite and don’t contain any toxic substances, it’s acceptable for dogs to eat a handful now and then. It’s normal for our dogs to enjoy an insect bite while wandering about. Although flying insects don’t hurt or bite your pet, overeating them could result in stomach upset, so it is not recommended to consume them.
Consuming a couple of cicadas (depending on your dog’s weight) should be fine. However, due to the exoskeleton’s crunchy and indigestible exterior, overeating may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In the most extreme instances, digestive irritation can cause water loss and require medical attention from a veterinarian.
Cicadas are usually too many to be efficient, so they are frequently used. Though the chance of your pet consuming the cicadas treated with pesticides seems unlikely, it’s essential to be aware of it.
Though it’s unlikely, it’s possible it can cause an allergic reaction when eating Cicadas. If you notice swelling on your leg, face, or tongue, bring your dog to the vet promptly. The symptoms of allergies can manifest through itchy skin, hives x,cessive vomiting, drooling, and Randa. If you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being, call the veterinary clinic for help.
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How Often Do Cicadas Emerge?
Cicadas generally occur every two to five years, depending upon the species. However, their cycle can be different. What’s more, what’s classified as periodic cicadas occur every 13-17 years, and when they appear, they can have thousands of them on an acre. The cycle of cicadas may last up to six weeks. After that, they’ll disappear for about 17 years if they’re still in the Nymph stage. But cicadas may arrive a bit more or less than expected.
2024’s spring season was a significant moment for cicadas. They had two broods, the Great Southern Brood and the Northern Illinois Brood, predicted to be simultaneously born. It’s fortunate that this appearance only occurs every 221 years! It was a problem for those in the Midwest and the Southeastern states, with an overlap between the two broods of Illinois. When you experience an event like this, you must watch your dog to ensure that they don’t eat all the tasty winged bugs.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe
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Naturally, protecting your pet from cicadas can be easier than it is, particularly when you’re in a place where many of them are poised to appear. Though stomach upsets of a mild nature are the most likely result, it is possible to cause more harm to smaller dogs that eat a lot of. Though unlikely, the rigid exoskeletons may obstruct the gastrointestinal tract.
If your pet has gorged on cicadas and is showing indications of nausea, vomiting, or listlessness vo, it is a great idea to make an appointment with the veterinarian.
Because these bugs tend to hatch within mature trees, it is accurate to keep your pet from places that surround these trees.
Giving your dog some other options for hunting or munching abilities could decrease the amount of cicadas they’re looking forward to catching. Engaging in tug-of-war or flirt poles and an old-fashioned game of fetch every day can benefit to keep them entertained. Play with puzzles, slow feeders, or Snuffle mats to keep their minds entertained.
Maintain your dog in a harness to keep them from these intriguing creatures while walking. You may also need those dogs that are persistent to wear a muzzle while on the move to keep the dog from eating the cicadas too often.
Conclusion
Cicadas are not harmful and will not cause serious injury to dogs when you eat a few. Ingestion of too many may create digestive discomfort, and you’re desirable for you to ensure that your dog is far from them whenever possible.
If your pet has consumed a significant amount of these worms, be sure to keep your eye out to look for any signs of discomfort, and if you observe the appearance of vomiting, drooling, or numbness, a trip to a veterinarian may be necessary.