Can Dogs Eat Cicadas? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

In this article

Risks Prevention Tips Be Aware of Other Insects When to Take Your Dog to the Vet Frequently Asked Questions

You may be walking with your dog, enjoying the beautiful nature around you, when suddenly, your dog darts to the side and snatches up a cicada in its mouth. It’s too late to stop the dog from munching and swallowing, so all you can do is wonder, can dogs eat cicadas?

Thankfully, cicadas are not toxic for your dog. If they manage to sneak one while on a walk, they aren’t likely to experience any issues. However, cicadas are not recommended for your dog to eat, and they can cause issues in large quantities.

Cicadas Present Several Risks to Your Dog

Cicadas don’t bite or sting, so you don’t have to worry about them actively harming your dog. However, that doesn’t mean these insects can’t threaten your dog’s health.

The Cicada’s Exoskeleton

Your dog should be fine if it eats a few cicadas, but if it manages to gobble a whole bunch of them, it could suffer digestive consequences. The cicada’s exoskeleton is tough for your dog to digest. The hard, sharp shell can cause mouth and abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes, the diarrhea can be bloody. If you notice any signs that your dog isn’t quite right after eating a cicada, it is best to be in contact with your vet for a check-up.

Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, cicadas may cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Although it isn’t a common response to eating cicadas, it is still a risk that you should be aware of. If you notice facial swelling, hives, or other allergic reactions, contact your vet as soon as possible.

dalmatian dog looking sick — Photo Credit: Alexander Hagseth, Shutterstock

Pesticides

Cicadas may have pesticides on them which can be toxic to dogs so it is best to try to stop your dog from eating them if you can.

Preventing Your Dog from Eating Cicadas

Eating cicadas can present dangers to your dog so it is best to keep them away. But how?

Supervising Your Dog

First, always supervise your dog while outdoors. If your dog is prone to eating anything they find on the ground, keep them on a leash. Avoid trees, shrubs, or other areas where cicadas may be lingering.

woman taking a beagle dog for an afternoon walk at the park — Photo Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Training

Secondly, train your dog to leave an object on command. By teaching your dog to “leave it,” you can direct them away from cicadas or other potential dangers. Before teaching your dog to leave it, you must teach them the “take it” command. Although it sounds backward, there is a logical reason.

When teaching your dog to “take it,” you are teaching them to look to you for approval before eating something off the ground. This can be useful in normal household situations, such as when you accidentally drop a piece of food on the ground, as your dog will not rush over to snatch it up. Instead, they will wait for your command before eating.

To teach your dog the “take it” command, follow these steps:

Close your fist around a dog treat and allow your dog to try and get it. Do not let them have it.
Once your dog stops trying to get the treat, use a training clicker or marker word to mark the moment.
Open your fist and say, “Take it.”

As you repeat this process, your dog will learn they are rewarded by ignoring the treat. Once they learn to ignore treats, you can teach them the “leave it” command.

To teach your dog the “leave it” command, follow these steps:

Put a treat on the floor and put your hand over it. Allow your dog to try and get it, but do not let them have it.
Once your dog stops trying to get the treat, mark the moment.
Give your dog a different treat, not the one you have covered. Ideally, the treat you give them should be a better, more enticing one.
After some repetition, remove your hand from the treat. If your dog tries to get it, cover it again. The idea is for your dog to ignore the treat even when there is no barrier to it. Once your dog ignores the treat consistently, you have taught them impulse control.
To add the “leave it” command, drop a treat on the ground and say, “Leave it.” When your dog leaves the treat, mark the moment and reward them with a better treat.

Teaching your dog the “leave it” command is a great way to keep them from munching on cicadas, but it has many more uses. Your dog is surrounded by plenty of potential hazards every day. You can keep your pet safe by commanding them to leave a dangerous object alone.

picture of a woman who trains with a young husky on a dog training field — Photo Credit: Christian Mueller, Shutterstock

Be Aware of Other Insects That May Harm Your Pet

Cicadas are not the only insects that may pose a threat to your dog. While on outdoor walks, you should also watch out for the following:

Caterpillars
Asian Lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis)
Walking Sticks (Stick insects)
Spiders
Wasps
Hornets

If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet immediately.

Know When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

Knowing when to take your dog to the vet can be challenging. If you are ever concerned for your dog’s well-being, there is no harm in taking them to the vet. However, if you notice changes in behavior or concerning physical signs in your pet, you must get them checked out immediately.

male vet checking dog teeth — Image Credit: YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV, Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to our pets’ safety, there is no such thing as too many questions. That is why we will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding dogs and cicadas so you can be well informed on the potential risks.

What Other Risks Do Cicadas Pose to Dogs?

Even if your dog doesn’t eat cicadas, other animals do, and these animals could pose a threat to your pup. Rats, snakes, and other creatures that eat cicadas may be hanging around places with a high cicada population. Some snakes may be venomous, so you must always supervise your dog outdoors.

How Many Cicadas Is Too Much?

The size of your dog will determine the answer to this question. A few cicadas may be fine for a Great Dane but harmful for a Shih-Tzu. It is best to prevent your dog from eating cicadas entirely to be safe.

Are Cicada Killer Wasps Dangerous?

With cicadas come the cicada killer wasps. While they may be more or less harmless to humans, the females can sting your dog if they get too close. If stung in the sensitive part of the mouth, your dog may have an adverse reaction. If you notice signs of facial swelling, contact your vet immediately.

cicada killer wasp perching — Image Credit: Victoria Virgona, Shutterstock

Final Thoughts

Cicadas may not be toxic for your dog, but that doesn’t mean they are a safe treat. Prevent your dog from snacking on the insects by carefully supervising them and keeping them on a leash outdoors. You can also teach your dog the “leave it” command so that they learn to ignore interesting-looking bugs. While eating one cicada may not pose a risk to your dog’s health, eating several of them can. Therefore, if you are ever concerned for your dog’s well-being, do not delay getting veterinary treatment.

See Also:

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Michael G McKinne, Shutterstock