Our little seven kilogram lap dog, Prancess Lily, has gone bonkers. With the long rumored emergence of cicadas finally happening here in Chesterfield, by gawd, Missouri, they appear to be some sort of canine catnip, sending our beloved pet into paroxysms of delight. She alternates between playing with them like a cat with a mouse, and chowing down on them.
According to ABC Chicago:
Experts say cicadas are not toxic to dogs or cats, and don’t bite or sting. The bugs, which can be one to one-and-a-half inches long, aren’t poisonous either.
Dr. Patricia Ho, veterinarian at Kindred Veterinary, said a pet eating an occasional cicada in most cases is harmless, but the insects have a tough exoskeleton that can make digestion a challenge, especially if eaten in large quantities and for smaller pets.
“So if we’re seeing issues with eating too many, we can see some complications related to vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, indigestion and, worst case scenario, they can have intestinal blockages,” Dr. Ho said.
However Señora is also having her own paroxysms… not of delight, every time she realizes that Prancess Lily is partaking of this entomological treat. She either starts vocalizing voraciously at our poor petite pooch, or she runs out into the backyard to stop her from munching on what must be a tasty treat.
On the upside, we might to able to save a little on dog food, and from all the exercise Señora is getting she might lose the five pounds she has been fretting about – and from my point of view, does not need to lose.
And so it goes.