Theemergenceof the Brood X cicala , which rises from the territory just once every 17 yearsto mateand reproduce before falling dormant , is happen across the eastern part of the United States . For animals , the bombination of activity has been like a nature - fuel popcorn Karl Popper . Everything from shuttle to squirrels to ants are feasting on the crunchybug , which hasbecomesomething of an instinctual delicacy . Dogs might even start dig into the soil to nab one . But can over - pander on cicada be a problem for your domesticated pal ?
Speaking with the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) , Dr. Jerry Klein , the club ’s principal veterinary officer , saidthat a few cicada is probably not cause for alarm but should be avoided if potential . Devouring them with the excitement of someone kill a bag of Irish potato chips , however , could prove problematic .
“ In most cases , your dog will be fine after eating a few cicala , ” Klein said . “ However , dogs that gorge on the large , crunchy insects will find the exoskeleton hard to digest and can digest serious aftermath . ”
The trouble lies in the exoskeleton of the cicada , a stiff complex body part that can begin to rag the tummy when consumed . ( Wings can be a problem , as well . ) Dogs can suffer choking or gastrointestinal progeny , including regurgitation or diarrhea . In severe cases , they may need the aid of a veterinary surgeon .
Dogs also start the risk of ingesting pesticides that may accompany some cicala populations .
While you should n’t be too concerned if your dog gobbles a single cicada during a walk or a ravel out in the yard , you should try topreventthem from a hemipteron buffet . instruct them to leave the cicada alone with a verbal dictation may work ; you could also go for walkway at daybreak and dusk , when the insects are less dynamic . Avoiding mature trees where they congregate may also facilitate until the cicadas disappear — likely in later June .
[ h / tVox ]
