Picture this: your dog is happily playing in the living room when suddenly, they dart toward a corner, pounce, and before you know it they are crunching on something. They’ve eaten a cockroach. Gross, right? But if you’re like most dog owners, your first thought is probably, “Is this safe for my dog?”
The truth is, while dogs can eat cockroaches, it’s not exactly a great idea. These crawlies aren’t poisonous but can be unhealthy for your pup.
If you’ve ever been in that situation when panic sets in because your pup has eaten cockroaches, don’t worry we’ve got you.
In this post, we’ll show you why you would catch your pup snacking on these bugs, the dangers of letting them do it, and what you should do if you find yourself in this situation again. Let’s go
Why Your Pup Will Eat Cockroaches Against Your Judgment
You can’t take it from them, dogs are naturally curious beings and love chasing anything that moves, including insects. So if you find them running after cockroaches, it’s probably their hunting instinct kicking in. Trust me, they are just doing what comes to them naturally.
Are cockroaches even nutritious?
Whether you want to believe it or not, cockroaches do have some nutrients like protein and vitamins. But don’t let that fool you, just be it has few health benefits doesn’t mean they are safe or the perfect snack for your pup.
What are the health risks involved?
Now let’s go to why you are here. Yes, you need pointers to help you be firm in your decision to protect your pup’s health.
Parasite and diseases
Apart from the fact, that cockroaches are gross, they also carry parasites like tapeworms which can infect your dog if they eat one. That’s not all, these bugs are hosts to harmful bacteria and diseases that can cause serious problems to your pup’s health.
Stomach Upset
These bugs are bony and they can be tough for your dog to digest. Of course, this will lead to issues like vomiting or diarrhea which is no fun for either of you.
Pesticides
Probably your biggest concern, you know every now and then you try to get rid of these annoying crawlies using pesticides. Now imagine your dog eats one and you know how dangerous these chemicals can be. I’m sure you see why you should stand firm in your decision going forward
How can I prevent my dog from eating one?
One of the best ways to make sure your dog never snacks on cockroaches is to keep them out of the home. How did you do this? By cleaning your home regularly, sealing every crack, and using pest control methods.
Supervision
If your dog has a habit of chasing bugs, keep a close eye on them, especially outdoors or in areas where cockroaches may be lurking. A little supervision can save you a lot of worry later.
Wrapping Up
So, can dogs eat cockroaches? Technically, yes, but it’s not worth the risk. I’d advise you to keep these bugs away from them as far as possible. However, if they’ve already munched on one, call your vet immediately. After all, keeping your dog healthy and happy is what matters most.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Raw Bacon?
