Takeaways:
- Trillions of cicadas are due to appear in parts of the US.
- The exoskeletons of cicadas are difficult to digest and can cause dogs to suffer serious consequences if eaten.
Cicadas emerge in the Spring time when the soil temperature is around 64 degrees. Before they emerge from the soil, they’ll be making sounds that your dog can hear. If you notice your dog may suddenly start digging up the yard because they can hear something you can’t. This is the sound of young cicadas digging through the dirt.
There are about 3,000 types of cicadas that appear every 2 – 5 years and they have fluctuating cycles. However, the periodical cicadas are known to spend 13 or 17 years underground, and when they appear, trillions of them surface. Some entomologists mention that densities can be as great as 1.5 million cicadas per acre.
After a 17-year hibernation, trillions of cicadas are emerging in:
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Cicada’s Threat to Dog’s
Well, it’s good to know that Cicadas don’t bite, or sting! However, they can be found all over the ground and dogs that like to munch may find themselves munching down on cicadas. It’s recommended to not allow your dog to devour the cicadas because they’re difficult to digest and can cause serious consequences.
Dr. Jerry Klein, is a Chief Veterinary officer for the AKC and according to him, after effects include:
- Upset stomach
- Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting
- Bloody Diarrhea
Some dogs may require anti-nausea drugs, pain medications, intravenous fluids, and gastroprotectants. Some of our customers have mentioned that using Paws Elite’s all organic CBD Oil has provided assistance with symptoms.
Cicada Threat Timeline
The cicada cycle last about 6 weeks, so when we see them in May then we should expect them to be gone by June.
