Cicadas in Nashville: No, they are not toxic to your dog or cat

The nonstop cacophony from early evening thru late morning by these loud little creatures is here. Brood X has emerged after almost 17 years, and with it, your pet has kicked that old raggedy ball to the side and found a new little toy to play with this summer.

But what if, instead of playing, your dog or cat decides to treat themselves to a rare delicacy?

Not to worry. Veterinarians agree that eating cicadas does not pose an immediate threat to your pet, with a big caveat.

Regular or Supersized

Since they are not toxic, if your dog or cat eats 1 or 2 cicadas, it should not cause worrisome problems aside from some indigestion (tummy-pain).

However, it is another story if your pet develops an allergic reaction (noticeable swelling of the face, itching, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea). If you notice any of these symptoms, it is wise to contact your veterinarian right away.

But no matter how small or big your pet is plate size matters.

If your pet munches on cicadas buffet-style, then you may need to bring him/her in for a check-up as soon as possible.

When you look at them closely, cicadas are indeed not that small, and their outer body is rugged and designed to "burrow." After all, they emerge from being buried 8" in the ground! If your pet ingests large quantities, there is a risk of perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Does this mean no outdoor playtime in the summer?

Not at all. We will call it for now "supervised playtime."

Prevention is key. Until Brood X finishes their once-in-more-than-a-decade summer party, you must keep your pets on a "short leash" (literally) by staying alert and looking out for them when outdoors.

Call out their attention when you see any scavenging going on. And if you notice any changes in their behavior, it would not hurt to get in touch with the vet.