Warmer temperatures are here and with that comes longer days, al fresco dinners...and cicadas. That’s right, the time has come where the 13-year Brood XIX and 17-year Brood XIII have emerged. To put this into perspective, it’s been 221 years since Brood XIX and XIII have buzzed by a location near you.
While these noisy little buggers are not harmful to humans, there are some precautions pet owners should take in order to keep dogs and cats safe:
- Time Your Walks: Supervise and limit outdoor activities during the warmer times of the day, where cicadas are more active.
- If possible, keep dogs and cats away from areas with large cicada populations.
- Leash Love: If walking a dog, keep them on a leash to prevent them from wandering off and potentially encountering and ingesting cicadas.
- Cicada-Proof the Yard: If you have a fenced yard, consider inspecting it for any gaps or holes where cicadas might enter. Patching up small gaps can help keep cicadas out and your pets safe.
- Muzzle for a Minute: In situations where people are unable to prevent their dogs from eating cicadas while in the yard or if the dog isn't accustomed to being leashed, using a muzzle during potty breaks could be a temporary solution.
- However, this should only be considered if the dog has been properly trained to wear a muzzle.
While cicadas are not generally considered toxic to pets if ingested in small quantities, Dr. Becca Boronat, veterinarian, Best Friends Animal Society warns “their hard exoskeletons can pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts.”
In addition, if a pet ingests several cicadas they may exhibit symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, lack of appetite, and abdominal discomfort.
“If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to monitor your pet closely and contact your veterinarian for further guidance,” said Dr. Boronat.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and make the country no-kill in 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 400,000 last year. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 4,700 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.