Dogs Eating Cicadas: A Guide to the Dangers and Benefits

If your dog has a taste for cicadas, you're not alone. Many dogs enjoy snacking on these crunchy insects, but it's essential to understand the potential risks.

Cicadas can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea, due to their hard exoskeletons and potential allergens.

Some breeds, like hunting dogs, are more likely to encounter cicadas and may be more prone to eating them.

Dogs eating cicadas can also lead to intestinal blockages if the insects get stuck in the digestive tract.

Cicadas' tough exoskeleton can be difficult for dogs to digest.

Cicadas can cause stomach issues, like food bloat, if your dog eats too many.

If your dog eats a large amount of cicadas with pesticide residue, it can be dangerous for them.

Cicadas are a choking hazard for dogs due to their small size.

You should keep an eye on your dog if they're around cicadas, and try not to take the cicada from their mouth, which might cause them to swallow it and lead to possible choking.

In my experience, my dog has thrown up and had a sensitive stomach for a couple of days after eating multiple cicadas, but she's never exhibited any severe symptoms.

Here's an interesting read: Why Is My Dogs Stomach Making Noises and Not Eating

Cicadas aren't poisonous, but eating too many can cause stomach issues like food bloat in dogs.

Their small size makes cicadas a choking hazard for dogs, so keep a close eye on your pet if they're around any.

Cicadas have pesticide residue on them that can be dangerous for dogs in large amounts, which is another reason to limit their cicada intake.

If your dog eats too many cicadas, they might experience vomiting and a sensitive stomach for a couple of days, but this is usually not a cause for concern.

American Kennel Club veterinarian Jerry Klein recommends calling a vet if your dog is repeatedly vomiting and unable to hold water down.

In a worst-case scenario, cicada shells can potentially cause a blockage in a dog's digestive system.

Preventing your dog from eating cicadas is the safest choice. Get ahead of the game and teach the “leave it” command. If you have a pup who likes to eat bugs, you’ll need to be a constant companion when they go outside.

Dogs eating cicadas can be a common occurrence, but it's essential to be aware of the potential health risks. Cicadas are biologically similar to crustaceans, so dogs with shellfish allergies can also experience an allergic reaction to cicadas.

Some common signs of allergy in dogs include sneezing, scratching and biting, swollen head or face, runny nose and eyes, hives, and diarrhea. If your dog eats a cicada and shows any of these symptoms, take him to the vet ASAP.

Cicadas can also cause stomach upset in dogs, especially if they gorge on them. The exoskeleton can be difficult to digest, leading to severe stomach upset, abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. In some cases, dogs may require intravenous fluids, pain medications, gastroprotectants, or anti-nausea drugs.

Here are some potential health risks associated with dogs eating cicadas:

If your dog loves to snack on cicadas, be aware that they can cause stomach upset. In most cases, a few cicadas won't harm your dog, but eating too many can lead to severe consequences.

Dogs that gorge on cicadas may experience mild to serious gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and bloody diarrhea. This is because the exoskeleton of the cicada is difficult to digest.

Your dog may require intravenous fluids, pain medications, gastroprotectants, or anti-nausea drugs to alleviate these symptoms. It's crucial to monitor your dog's behavior and watch for signs of distress.

Here are some potential risks to consider:

If you suspect your dog has ingested cicadas, keep an eye out for signs of stomach upset and consult with your veterinarian immediately.

Cicada allergies in dogs are rare, but possible. If your dog eats a cicada and shows signs of an allergy, take him to the vet ASAP.

Cicadas are biologically similar to crustaceans, which is why dogs with shellfish allergies can also react to cicadas. This similarity can cause an allergic reaction in dogs.

Some common signs of allergy in dogs include sneezing, scratching and biting, swollen head or face, runny nose and eyes, hives, and diarrhea.

If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction to a cicada, keep an eye out for these symptoms and seek veterinary help immediately.