Can Dogs Eat Cicadas? 4 Risks And Prevention Tips
Monitoring your dog’s outdoor play can help prevent choking hazards and digestive upset.
Dogs and Cicadas: Tasty Treat or Trouble?
Cicadas emerge in massive numbers every 13 or 17 years depending on the species, filling American backyards with their distinctive buzzing. As these large, slow-moving insects cover lawns, sidewalks, and parks, many curious dogs canât resist gobbling up a few. But is it safe for your furry companion to snack on cicadas? Letâs separate fact from fiction and discuss the benefits, risks, and what every dog owner should know during a cicada emergence.
What Are Cicadas?
Cicadas are large, winged insects best known for the loud chorus they create. Most cicadas spend the majority of their lives underground as nymphs, emerging as adults en masse every 13 or 17 years depending on the brood. Their synchronized appearance can be both fascinating and overwhelming, coating surfaces with shed exoskeletons and attracting plenty of attention from dogs, birds, and other wildlife.
Key characteristics of cicadas:
- Large bodies with prominent eyes
- Transparent wings
- Noisy mating calls produced by males
- Short adult lifespan: just a couple of weeks above ground
Are Cicadas Toxic or Poisonous to Dogs?
The good news for pet owners is that cicadas are not toxic or poisonous to dogs. They contain no venom, harmful secretions, or transferable diseases for pets, and ingesting one or two generally wonât do your dog any harm. But, other risks and complications are worth noting.
Can Dogs Eat Cicadas?
Yes, dogs can eat cicadas â but it is not recommended. The primary reasons are:
- Digestive concerns: Cicadas have a tough exoskeleton that is hard to digest and can irritate the stomach and intestines, especially if a dog eats a large number of them.
- Choking hazard: Larger or whole cicadas can become lodged in a dogâs throat, especially in smaller breeds.
- Potential for allergic reactions: Some dogs are allergic to cicadas and may experience anything from localized irritation to more severe symptoms like swelling or breathing difficulties.
- Exposure to pesticides: Cicadas may have been exposed to lawn chemicals or pesticides, which can be dangerous if ingested.
Why Do Dogs Eat Cicadas?
- Novelty: The appearance of so many cicadas at once offers a new and irresistible snack for many curious pets.
- Taste and texture: Cicadas are crunchy and provide an unusual taste and mouthfeel that some dogs find attractive.
- Hunting instinct: The slow, lumbering movement of cicadas makes them easy for dogs to catch, triggering prey instincts.
While a nosy pup munching on a bug or two is usually harmless, the real problems come when a dog develops a taste for cicadas and consumes them in large quantities.
Potential Health Risks of Dogs Eating Cicadas
| Risk | Details | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal upset | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain from indigestible exoskeletons | Moderate to severe (with high intake) |
| Choking | Whole cicadas can block the airway, especially in small dogs | Severe, potentially life-threatening |
| Allergic reactions | Swelling, hives, itching, respiratory distress | Varies, mild to severe |
| Pesticide poisoning | Ingesting cicadas exposed to chemicals | Potentially severe |
What others are reading
1. Digestive and Gastrointestinal Issues
The cicadaâs crunchy exoskeleton can irritate your dogâs mouth and digestive tract. If eaten in small numbers, most dogs can pass cicadas without serious issue. But consuming many â or just a few for sensitive dogs â may lead to:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Lethargy
These symptoms may last from a few hours to several days. Dogs with significant vomiting or bloody diarrhea may require veterinary care, especially if they become dehydrated or weak.
2. Choking Hazard
The robust size and shell of cicadas, especially in small dogs or those who gulp their food, can become a choking hazard. Watch for signs of choking:
- Coughing or gagging
- Pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or blue gums
If you see any of these signs and suspect your dog is choking, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
3. Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to cicadas are rare but possible. Symptoms include:
- Facial swelling
- Hives
- Intense itching (especially from touching the hairy legs, or “setae”, of cicadas)
- Difficulty breathing (rare but emergency)
There’s an interesting biological note: cicadas and shellfish share certain exoskeletal proteins, so dogs (or people) with known shellfish allergies could have cross-reactions when exposed to cicadas. The FDA even recommends that individuals with shellfish allergies avoid eating cicadasâand similar caution may be wise for sensitive dogs.
4. Risk of Pesticides and Other Contaminants
Cicadas living in pesticide-treated areas may carry traces of chemicals on their bodies, which can be harmful if ingested by your pet. While one or two contaminated bugs rarely cause acute poisoning, repeated or large exposures increase the risk.
How Many Cicadas Does It Take to Cause Issues?
For most dogs, a few cicadas are unlikely to cause health problems. Trouble starts when dogs eat them in large quantities, or if they have pre-existing health conditions (such as allergies or sensitive digestive tracts).
Risk factors for a negative reaction include:
- Eating several cicadas in one sitting
- Small or toy breeds prone to choking
- Dogs with allergies (insect or shellfish)
- Dogs with underlying gastrointestinal conditions
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Cicadas
- Donât panic if your dog ate a cicada or twoâmost will be fine.
- Monitor for symptoms over the next 48 hours, especially vomiting, diarrhea, or any breathing trouble.
- Call your vet if you observe persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, allergic reactions, or if your dog appears lethargic or dehydrated.
- Seek emergency help for choking, collapsed gums, or difficulty breathing.
Preventing Your Dog From Eating Cicadas
Preventing cicada snacking is the best way to avoid complications. Consider these tips to keep your pup safe during cicada season:
- Supervise outdoor activities: Keep a close watch when your dog is outside, especially in heavily infested areas.
- Use commands: Train your dog to “leave it” or “drop it.” Practice controlling their impulse to pick up bugs or debris.
- Limit exposure: Stick to paved or clear paths and avoid areas with heavy cicada concentrations. Shorten walks if necessary.
- Clean up regularly: Sweep away dead cicadas from your yard or porch to reduce temptation.
- Consider alternate walks: If your area is heavily affected by cicadas, try driving to parks or locations with fewer insects.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
While mild symptoms often resolve on their own, certain scenarios require prompt veterinary attention:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Abdominal pain, significant lethargy, or unwillingness to eat/drink
- Signs of allergic reaction: swelling, hives, trouble breathing
- Choking or airway obstruction
Prompt treatment can prevent complications such as dehydration or severe allergic response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are cicadas poisonous to dogs?
No, cicadas themselves are not poisonous to dogs. The primary concerns are digestive upset, choking, or allergyânot toxins.
How many cicadas is too many for my dog to eat?
Eating one or two cicadas is unlikely to harm most dogs. However, consuming many at once (especially for smaller dogs) increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal problems or choking.
What are the signs my dog is having a problem after eating cicadas?
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Swelling of the face or hives
- Difficulty breathing (Emergency)
- Choking, gagging, or pawing at the mouth (Emergency)
Do cicadas carry diseases that can infect my dog?
No, cicadas are not known to carry diseases that infect dogs or other pets directly.
Should I let my dog eat dead cicadas?
It’s best to discourage your dog from eating any cicadas, alive or dead, due to the risks of digestive upset, choking, pesticide exposure, and rare allergic reactions.
Are other pets at risk from cicadas?
Cats and smaller pets are also prone to the same risksâupset stomach, choking, and allergic reactionsâif they attempt to eat cicadas.
Summary Table: Cicadas and Dogs â Risks at a Glance
| Risk | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Poisoning | Never (from cicadas themselves) | None |
| Digestive upset | Occasional (with large intake) | Mild to severe |
| Choking | Infrequent | Severe, emergency |
| Allergic reactions | Rare | Varies, can be severe |
| Pesticide contamination | Uncommon, but possible | Potentially severe |
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners
- Cicadas are not toxic to dogs but are not a safe snack.
- Eating a few cicadas is unlikely to harm most dogs, but problems arise with repeated or large ingestion.
- Possible risks include digestive upset, choking, rare allergic reactions, and pesticide exposure.
- Prevent access where possible and supervise outdoor time during cicada season.
- If your dog exhibits any concerning symptoms after eating cicadas, contact your vet promptly.
References
- https://articles.hepper.com/can-dogs-eat-cicadas/
- https://www.guidedogs.com/blog/cicadas
- https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/can-dogs-eat-cicadas/
- https://www.alpharehabandfitness.com/blog/keeping-your-dog-safe-and-stress-free-during-cicada-season
- https://www.castlehillsvet.com/blog/are-cicadas-safe-for-pets-to-eat
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Srija Burman
