2024 has truly been a year for the books, and we’re not even halfway through it yet! Among all the excitement, let's talk about one of the most fascinating phenomena happening right now: the cicadas. Oh, boy, there are a lot of them! Every year we get our annual brood of these noisy, large, but harmless insects. However, this year is extraordinary. We've hit the cicada jackpot with three broods emerging simultaneously: the annual, the 17-year, and the 13-year broods. The last time these broods overlapped was 221 years ago!
This spring, we can expect up to 1 trillion cicadas to hatch. To put that into perspective, 1 trillion seconds is approximately 31,688 years! This event is not just a natural wonder but a significant part of history.
While these insects are having the party of the century, it’s crucial to know how to keep our pets safe amidst this cicada extravaganza.
Pets react differently to the cicada invasion, experiencing everything from curiosity and excitement to fear and anxiety. While cicadas are not toxic and do not bite or sting, some dogs might see this as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Overindulging in cicadas can lead to a range of issues for our furry friends, from feeling bloated and uncomfortable to experiencing gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. In the worst-case scenario, excessive cicada consumption can cause intestinal impaction.
To keep your pets safe during this cicada season, it's imperative to keep a close watch on them, especially in grassy or treelined areas where cicadas are abundant. Reducing their outdoor time in these areas can help prevent any unwanted cicada feasts.
If you're concerned or have any questions about cicada ingestion, remember that EVS Pet Urgent Care is here to help! Stay vigilant, and let’s get through this cicada season with happy and healthy pets.