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Just as I was pondering the great mysteries of life, I discovered my dog crunching on an unexpected snack—a cricket!
Now, your mind might be wondering a million things, what should I do if my dog ate a cricket, are crickets harmful to my dog?
Well, the good news is that crickets are generally harmless to your dog. That’s not to say they should start eating them though as there are potential risks to doing so, especially one that was “wild caught”.
In this post, you will learn about the dangers and what you should do if you find your dog eating one.
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Are Crickets Harmful To Dogs?
It’s natural to worry when your pet eats something out of the ordinary. It’s extra concerning when that something happens to be a bug.
Ick!
You may be thinking, “Should I bring my furry friend to the vet?”
The good news is that eating crickets is generally not harmful to dogs and can even provide your pet with some nutritional value when consumed in moderation.
However, it’s still important to be aware of potential risks. Let’s take a closer look at the hazards of a dog eating crickets.
Have you wondered, what if your dog ate chalk?
Potential Risks of Eating Crickets for Dogs
If your pup happens to catch a cricket and decides to take a bite, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Although crickets themselves aren’t toxic to dogs, there are some potential risks to consider. Here are some things to watch out for:
Choking hazard
Watch out if your furry friend decides to gobble up a big cricket. It could get lodged in its throat, especially if your pet is on the smaller side or tends to eat too quickly. So keep an eye on them and make sure everything goes down smoothly.
Digestive issues
Eating a cricket could cause some tummy troubles for your furry friend.
The insect’s tough exoskeleton can be difficult to digest and may result in vomiting or diarrhea.
Additionally, if your pup happens to gobble up a big cricket, it could get stuck in its intestine and cause a blockage.
THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE that requires immediate medical attention from your veterinarian.
Parasites
Some crickets can carry the larvae of stomach worms known as Physaloptera spp.
Yikes!
If your dog eats an infected cricket, it may experience vomiting, weight loss, anemia, and other symptoms.
Toxin exposure
Crickets can carry toxins if they’ve been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals.
If your dog eats a contaminated cricket, it may experience poisoning symptoms such as tremors, convulsions, and seizures.
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: My dog ate wood, now what?
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog has eaten a cricket, there are some signs and symptoms you should watch out for. These may include:
Vomiting
If your fur baby ends up throwing up, don’t worry too much! (unless it doesn’t stop)
This is actually a common way for dogs to get rid of something that’s not sitting well in their stomach.
If you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to show the vomit to your vet.
I know it might sound gross, but it can help your vet identify any potential issues your dog is experiencing.
Diarrhea
Eating a cricket can also cause diarrhea in dogs.
This can be due to the cricket’s hard exoskeleton irritating your dog’s digestive system.
If your pet has diarrhea, make sure they stay hydrated.
Lethargy
Lethargy, a sign of canine unwellness, indicates decreased energy or activity.
If a dog becomes lethargic after eating a cricket, it may signal digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction.
Keep a watchful eye and consult your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
Lack of appetite
Following a cricket snack, a dog might experience a temporary lack of appetite.
This could be due to mild stomach upset or a change in taste preferences.
Monitor your pet and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
Abdominal pain
If your pet is restless, whimpers, or cries when its abdomen is touched, it’s a pretty clear sign that it may be experiencing abdominal pain.
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty breathing in dogs can look like they’re panting really fast, coughing, or making weird noises like wheezing or gasping.
They might seem very anxious or restless too like they can’t get comfortable or settle down.
Excessive drooling
Excessive drooling in dogs after eating a cricket may be a sign of nausea or an allergic reaction, or it may have had harmful chemicals on it that could cause an adverse reaction in the dog.
Remember, these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, so if you notice any of these signs, it’s best to check with your vet.
They can figure out if your dog’s feeling sick because of the cricket or if there’s something else that needs attention.
And if you notice that your dog is having a hard time breathing, seems to be in pain, or is acting unusually drowsy or unresponsive, DON’T WAIT- get in touch with your vet right away or seek emergency care.
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Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Dog ate wax paper
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Cricket
First things first, don’t panic if you catch your dog munching on a cricket!
Here’s what you should do next:
Observe your dog’s behavior and symptoms.
Watch for any unusual behavior or symptoms that may indicate a problem.
If everything seems okay, you may not need to rush to the vet.
Contact your veterinarian.
If your dog is showing concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, don’t hesitate to give your vet a call.
They’re the experts, and they can give you advice on what to do next.
They might even recommend bringing your dog in for a checkup, just to be safe.
Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Your veterinarian will give you the best advice on how to proceed based on your dog’s symptoms and medical history.
Follow their recommendations closely to ensure your furry friend gets the care they need.
Do not induce vomiting without veterinary advice.
Making your pet throw up can be risky in some cases, not to mention uncomfortable for your pet, so it’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s advice.
They will be able to determine if vomiting is necessary or if there is a safer alternative.
Prevent future incidents
To avoid any future mishaps, keep your dog away from crickets and other insects that may cause choking or carry harmful toxins.
Keep your home and yard free of pests, and always supervise your dog when they’re outside.
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Dog ate fish food
Do crickets have any nutritional value?
Surprisingly, yes!
In fact, these critters are a good source of protein, with around 12 grams of protein per 100 grams of cricket.
They also contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and zinc.
But before you go out and start catching crickets for your pup, keep in mind that a balanced diet with high-quality dog food is still the best option.
Some dog treat manufacturers have started adding crickets as an additional protein source, but it’s always best to consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
FAQs
Can dogs eat crickets?
Yes, dogs can generally eat crickets without any harmful effects. However, it’s not recommended to make crickets a regular part of their diet. Always monitor your pet for any adverse reactions, and remember that high-quality dog food is still the best source of nutrition for your furry friend.
Should you feed your dog crickets?
It’s safe to give your dog treats made with crickets as an additional protein source, but they shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet. Avoid feeding your dog backyard crickets as they may carry harmful parasites and bugs.
Are crickets digestible for dogs?
Crickets are digestible for dogs, but eating them poses potential risks. Keep an eye on your pup if they’ve ingested a cricket and contact your vet if you notice any unusual symptoms. While it’s not recommended, the occasional accidental snack is unlikely to cause harm to most dogs.
In Conclusion: My Dog Ate a Cricket
Although it may be alarming to see your dog eat a cricket, it’s usually not a cause for concern.
Dogs have been known to eat a variety of unusual objects, and as long as the cricket is not toxic or harmful, it should pass through their digestive system without issue.
Just remember to monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or illness, especially if they begin to exhibit excessive drooling or other symptoms after consuming the cricket.
Otherwise, it’s all good!
Like this post? Check out these other ones too:
- What to do if your dog eats raw meat?
- Can a dog die from eating a band aid?
- Is it safe for dogs to eat toilet paper rolls?
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