As multiple broods of 17-year cicada’s prepare to hatch, veterinarian Brian Collins of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals advises dog and cat owners to discourage their pets from ingesting the cicadas – which can be harmful if eaten in quantity.

Collins says:

“Discourage your dog and cat from ingesting cicadas.

“As tempting as bugs may be, the outer skeleton of the cicada contains a tough material called chitin that is problematic when eaten in large quantities. Chitin is also found in lobster shells. If your dog or cat eats cicadas, it is akin to you eating a lobster shell. If enough are consumed, your companion animal may experience vomiting or constipation and require a visit to the veterinarian.”

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