Chicago (CBS) — The cicada breeding season is almost here. Billions more insects will arrive this spring.
Blued XIII's 17th year semi is coming chicago area. In downstate Springfield, Brood XIII is joined by Brood XIX, who emerges from his 13 years underground.
With this advent, there will be more to come in Illinois cicada This spring, more than anywhere else in the country. And he has one question about the Jeep. How do creepy crawlers mix with our furry friends? And what do pet owners need to know about the flocks expected everywhere?
This is a problem that many pet owners have. Caleb Wessner said if his puppy Poppy found himself running around with lots of cicadas, he wouldn't be content to just let them fly. she will eat them.
“If she sees it, she'll go after it,” Wessner said.
He was concerned about “all kinds of toxic substances that we should be concerned about.”
CBS 2 asked experts if such toxic substances exist.
“They are not toxic to pets. They will not sting or bite your pet,” said Dr. Cynthia Gonzalez of Family Pets Veterinary Hospital in the Lincoln Park area. “The only problem for pets is if they ingest a large amount of the exoskeleton, or in the case of small dogs, eat part of the exoskeleton. In some cases, it can severely irritate the gastrointestinal tract. There is a possibility. “
Cicadas leave behind an exoskeleton when they emerge from the ground. These exoskeletons, also known as seashells, cover the ground when billions of cicadas emerge and molt.
“In rare cases, if your pet is also allergic to shellfish, the animal may have an allergic reaction to some components of the exoskeleton,” says Dr. said Dr. Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM. Medical Specialist, Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare, Secretary of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors.
The shellfish category includes molluscs and crustaceans. Crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters are arthropods, as are all insects such as cicadas.
If your pet has indigestion after eating a cicada or exoskeleton, contact your veterinarian.
“If you notice your pet exhibiting symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea after ingestion, and a decrease in appetite, these are symptoms to contact your veterinarian,” Gonzalez says.
And with 2017 cicadas expected to cover yards, sidewalks, local parks and any other place people might be out with their pets, experts say the best course of action is to be prepared. said.
“We encourage Cairns to start thinking proactively about where and how they walk their dogs and do dog activities to minimize potential ground-based cicada infestations.” he says.
Cairns City also noted that pets that are sensitive to sound may encounter problems with cicadas.
“Pet parents may find that if they have a pet that is sensitive to sound, they may be anxious or upset by loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks, but they may be equally sensitive to the sounds of cicadas.” I think it's important to keep in mind that cicadas are a natural phenomenon, and the City of Cairns says, “Therefore, pet parents should take proactive precautions against cicadas and raise concerns in the same way they would with thunderstorms.'' If so, you need to consult a veterinarian.”
The 2017 cicadas emerge in mid-May. It is expected to be cleared by the end of June.
Then, as they do every year, the annual Dog Day cicadas arrive to deliver dusk lullabies to the Chicago area from July through September and October.
