Truth About Dog Safety Around Cicadas Is a Disgusting Relief
You may have heard some buzzing about how a lot of North America will be invaded by cicadas starting this spring, and if you're a dog owner you probably know what that means. Chances are, your pup is going to snack on one of these big-eyed, noisy bugs.
The good news is, eating a cicada, or ten, probably won't hurt your dog at all. You may just not want to kiss them afterwards.
NBC Chicago spoke to Allen Lawrence, associate curator of entomology at Petty Notebaert Nature Museum, who said, "As far as insects go, they're very large and meaty. They have a lot of nutrients there. That's a big meal just from catching one insect."
Related: List of Human Food Dogs Can Eat Safely Should Be in Everyone's Back Pocket
Lawrence continued "Yes, they are non-toxic, so they are safe for dogs to eat. However, you may need to be careful and make sure your dog doesn't eat too many too quickly and they get an upset stomach."
I have a feeling a lot of us will be side-stepping these bugs while taking our dogs out for a walk. Even though they are fine for your dog to eat, in moderation, there's just something creepy about it! Maybe now is the time to stock up on breath freshening dental chews too!
Listen, this whole thing could be a lot worse, because there are even some humans who plan on turning these amazingly loud bugs into dinner.
I think I'd rather eat dog food!
All About This Year's Unprecedented Cicada Event
There are two groups of periodical cicadas — those that emerge every 13 years and those that emerge every 17 years. This year we luck out because both broods will emerge at the same time.
These insects don't come out until the ground temperatures reach 64 degrees, so they will show up earlier in states where it's warmer first. This double-brood event hasn't happened in over 200 years, and the two broods will emerge in a combined 17 states across Southeastern and Midwestern states, with an overlap in Illinois and Iowa. Most of us can expect about six weeks or so of cicadas this year.
Even though some of us aren't the biggest fans of these insects, USA Today reminds us that they do serve a purpose, they provide a valuable food source for birds or other predators, can aerate lawns, improve water filtration and add nutrients into the soil as they decompose.
Happy Cicadapocalypse everyone!
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