Emergency: What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Bug?
What Do Bugs Mean to Dogs?
Rest assured, the vast majority of bugs are harmless to dogs and can even serve as a source of protein in their daily diet, albeit an inconsistent one.
When a dog ingests a bug, the various scents within the insect help it recognize what it has eaten, which is why few dogs actually enjoy consuming them.
Why Do Dogs Eat Bugs?
The primary reason is curiosity, although some dogs might have a preference for the taste and smell of certain bugs.
Which Bugs Should Dogs Avoid?
While the majority of bugs are safe for dogs, there are some that can pose health risks.
Bugs Dogs Should Avoid:
Any bug that has come into contact with feces is extremely dangerous for dogs. For instance, cockroaches and dung beetles, as the worms within feces can be transmitted through these bugs, potentially burdening a dog's digestive system.
After ingesting harmful bugs, dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness in the limbs, and drowsiness. If a dog consumes a large number of these bugs, it may also experience irregular heart rate, seizures, dilated pupils, and even death.
Are These Bugs Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Ants:
Ants, besides providing protein, are also rich in vitamin C. Common ants are generally safe for dogs, but if a dog ingests fire ants, it's advisable to take it to the vet, as while there may not be severe issues, fire ants can cause a stinging sensation in a dog's nasal and oral cavity, just as they do in humans.
Beetles:
Most beetles are safe for dogs, but consuming ladybugs may cause stomach discomfort.
Cicadas:
This insect can be highly addictive to dogs, though the reason for this is unclear. However, it's certain that if dogs consume cicadas regularly, their digestive systems may struggle to handle it.
Cockroaches:
Cockroaches carry a variety of bacteria.
Grasshoppers:
These are often found near agricultural areas, so it's best to keep dogs away from them, as they may have ingested pesticides from crops.
Bedbugs:
Occasionally eating one is fine, but consuming too many can burden a dog's stomach.
Slugs:
Stay away from these insects, as they contain lungworm larvae. If a dog ingests this insect, seek immediate treatment from a professional veterinary hospital.
Spiders:
Most spiders are harmless to dogs, with the only concern being the possibility of ingesting a black widow, which is fortunately rare in the wild in many parts of the world.
Bees:
The only potential danger for dogs is the sting from the bee's stinger. Therefore, it's best not to let dogs eat bees, as bee stings can be quite harmful, as anyone who has been stung can attest.