Are Cicadas Poisonous to Dogs?

Cicadas are not poisonous or venomous to dogs. They do not bite or sting and contain no toxic principle, so eating one or two is generally harmless and most dogs are fine. The real concerns are mechanical and dose-related, not chemical: (1) The hard chitinous exoskeleton can irritate the digestive tract and cause drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea; (2) eating a LARGE number of cicadas can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction, which is a veterinary emergency — a serious risk during periodical (17-year/13-year) emergences when thousands are on the ground; (3) cicadas may carry pesticide/insecticide residue from yard or tree treatments, and that pesticide — not the cicada itself — can be toxic; (4) dogs with a shellfish allergy may react because cicadas are biologically similar to shellfish. Practical caution: supervise dogs outdoors during heavy cicada activity, clear cicadas from the yard, discourage gorging, and call a vet if you see persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, a distended/painful abdomen, or signs of obstruction. Avoid areas treated with insecticide.

Are cicadas poisonous or venomous to dogs?

No. According to Pet Poison Helpline, cicadas are not toxic to dogs (or cats); they have no venom, do not bite or sting, and contain no toxic principle. Eating one or two typically causes no harm.

My dog ate a bunch of cicadas — should I worry?

Eating large quantities is the main risk. The tough exoskeleton can irritate the GI tract and cause drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea, and gorging on many cicadas can lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction that may need veterinary care. Watch for repeated vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or a swollen/painful belly and contact your vet if these occur.

Could cicadas harm my dog in any other way?

Yes, indirectly. Cicadas may carry insecticide residue from sprayed yards or trees — that pesticide can be toxic to dogs. Also, dogs with a shellfish allergy can react to cicadas because the two are biologically related. Keep dogs away from chemically treated areas.

• Pet Poison Helpline — My Dog Ate a Cicada, Are Cicadas Poisonous to Dogs?
• University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine — Cicadas: Pet Treat or Pet Threat?

Last updated 2026-06-25