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Help! My Dog Ate a Stink Bug

Stink bug isolated on white background

We all know dogs tend to eat the weirdest things. Unsurprisingly, stink bugs are one of the things that dogs end up eating. When summer is in full swing, your yard may become full of bugs. The movement of these tiny creatures trigger your dog’s predatory instincts. Read through to find out what to do if your canine friend eats a stink bug.

My Dog Ate a Stink Bug

Usually, dogs do not eat stink bugs because of their nasty smell. The foul odor alone is enough for a dog to leave the bug alone. On top of that, the stink bug’s secretions are made up of ‘Aldehydes’ that have a bitter taste. This awful taste of these bugs is what makes your dog drool (and vomit). Vomiting is the most a stink bug can cause to a dog.

Why Dogs Eat Stink Bugs?

Dog laying on back in grass on lake shore

Dogs are known to eat crawling or flying small creatures such as termites, grasshoppers, flies, and crickets. They love chasing, catching, and eating them. So, can dogs eat insects? Yes, dogs can definitely eat stink bugs. These bugs are NOT toxic for dogs and there are no long-term effects on your canine’s health. Therefore, your pet can safely eat a stink bug except for its horrible taste.

According to Mid-Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, stink bugs aren’t poisonous but their smelly secretions can irritate the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.  This irritation may produce symptoms of vomiting and/or excessive drooling. Other reported irritations from stink bug secretions are irritation of the tongue, gums, lips, and inside of a pet’s cheek.

Possible Effects of Dogs Eating Stink Bugs

Stink bug on green leaf

One would think that dogs wouldn’t eat these bugs due to their unpleasant taste. That is not very far from the fact. Actually, dogs chase and trap this bug and have a bite at it. Due to its disgusting taste and smell, the canine spits the insect out. However, there are possible consequences that the dog still may have to face.

  • The pet may start to vomit because biting the insect causes problems in the dog’s digestive system. Usually, the vomiting ends in 8 to 12 hours.
  • Secretions from these insects may irritate and sting your dog’s eyes.
  • Your dog may start drooling excessively as the secretions trigger the pup’s gums and tongue.
  • If the ingested bug is affected by an insecticide, it may prove toxic to your dog.

If your dog eats a bug, you should always call your vet or the pet poison control line at: (888) 426-4435

My Puppy Ate a Cockroach

closeup side view of cockroach

Cockroaches carry stomach worms (scientific name is Physaloptera spp.) within their bodies. An infected roach is acting as a host for the larvae of these worms. When your canine ingests the cockroach, these larvae enter his/her system and start developing into worms. This causes an infection in the gastrointestinal tract which is called Physalopterosis. The symptoms of this infection include:

  • Regurgitation
  • Persistent or periodic throwing up
  • A single or numerous entire worms might be seen in vomits
  • Anorexia
  • Dark feces
  • Diarrhea
  • Sleepiness

Treatment of Physalopterosis in Dogs

bottle of pills spilled onto pink background

3 treatments of Anthelmintics are administered orally every 2 weeks. Studies reveal that a drug, called Pyrantel, has exceptional effectiveness of about 80%. If your canine companion is suffering from an extreme case of Physalopterosis, a Gastroprotectant might be recommended.

Similarly, Corticosteroids may also be recommended to help your puppy recover faster. The shedding of worms in vomit or feces and signs of diarrhea or throwing up need to stop within 2 weeks after the treatment.

It is important to continue the medicines for your dog even if he/she seems to have overcome the disease. A follow-up fecal test may be needed to check for larvae. If more larvae exist, treatment is performed again.

Likewise, your veterinarian will analyze the pet to identify the present state of his/her health. This analysis will also take into account the weight and cravings of the dog. If all these examinations show positive results, it will be confirmed that the throwing up or diarrhea has actually ended.

My Dog Ate a Cricket

closeup of cricket on blade of grass

Due to their continuous hopping, crickets are tempting for dogs to chase around. Some dogs actually enjoy chewing on them because these bugs are crunchy. Just like stink bugs, crickets are not toxic to dogs. In fact, they are a good source of nutrients such as proteins and fats.

The problem with these bugs is that they also carry Physaloptera spp. within their bodies. However, vomiting is not always a sign of stomach worms. Dogs often vomit after eating a cricket due to its textured body.

Summary

Most dogs eat bugs without any major problems but it’s important to keep an eye out for any worrying symptoms. For instance, stomach worms can cause serious complications if left untreated.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, do keep an eye on your dog while he/she is running around (especially outdoors). Similarly, always contact a vet if you suspect your dog has eaten a bug.

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