WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Go outside and you’ll hear them: Millions of cicadas are expected to stick around Tennessee until mid to late June. However, until they go away, many people are wondering if cicadas are safe for dogs to eat.
Cicadas aren’t poisonous and they don’t bite or sting. However, the American Kennel Club urges owners to take precautions so your dogs don’t overindulge in eating them. That’s because dogs can run into problems with digestion. Cicadas have a hard exoskeleton and stiff wings and that can lead to digestive issues.
NewsNation affiliate WKRN talked with staff at Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) on what to look out for.
“If they’re more interested in the live cicadas…just watch them for that vomiting and diarrhea. They’re just crunching on the shells,” said Danielle Nunnery, a vet technician with WCAC. “They’re kind of soft, especially after the rain and the humidity, so that’s probably nothing to worry about there. It’ll pass on its own.”
If you suspect your furry friend ate too many cicadas, WCAC staff members recommend contacting your veterinarian.