Cicada Season: How it Affects Your Pup in Alexandria, VA
Another summertime phenomenon in Alexandria, Virginia, is the buzzing sound of cicadas. Although this yearly event is visually captivating, dog owners are concerned about the potential effects these humming insects may have on their furry friends.
We at Dogtopia of Alexandria understand the importance of cicada season to dog owners and their pets. This post will discuss the effects of cicadas on dogs and offer advice on how to handle this buzzing period with your dog.
Understanding Cicada Season
Life Cycle of Cicadas:
The multi-year life cycle of cicadas is intriguing. Periodically cicadas, which emerge in enormous numbers every 13 or 17 years, are the most common species found in Alexandria, Virginia. As nymphs, these cicadas live most of their lives underground, where they consume the sap from tree roots.
The nymphs emerge from their tunnels to the surface and go through an amazing metamorphosis when the soil temperature reaches a specific point, normally in late spring or early summer. They exhibit their flying adult form when they lose their exoskeletons. The imagoes, or newly emerging adult cicadas, spend a few weeks getting married, depositing their eggs in tree branches, and ultimately dying to complete the cycle Jones, R., et al. (2020).
Frequency and Duration:
Alexandria, Virginia, experiences cicada season approximately every 17 years for periodical cicadas. The length of the cicada season might change depending on the species and surrounding circumstances. The Alexandrian cicada season can span several weeks to several months, with the height of activity typically seen in late spring or early summer.
Local Perspective:
Alexandria, Virginia, has cicada season for the periodical cicadas every 17 years or so. However, other cicadas appear annually every summer. Because of their shorter life cycles, the adults of these cicadas emerge annually rather than every 13 or 17 years.
The duration of the cicada season varies depending on the species and environmental factors. The Alexandrian cicada period can last anywhere from a few weeks to many months, with the busiest times of year usually being late spring or early summer.
Effects on Dogs
There are the following effects on dogs:
● Behavioral Changes
Dogs may exhibit a variety of behavioral changes in response to cicadas. The profusion of buzzing insects may pique the interest and enthusiasm of certain dogs, prompting them to explore and even try to catch cicadas.
Conversely, dogs who are prone to anxiety could react to the strange sounds and sights of cicadas by getting agitated or afraid. Anxious dogs may exhibit increased vocalization, restlessness, or agitation during the cicada season (Smith,2021).
● Health Concerns
Although cicadas don’t usually pose a threat to dogs, their presence may carry certain health risks. When playing or exploring outside, dogs may unintentionally swallow cicadas, which can cause gastrointestinal distress including vomiting or diarrhea.
Consuming huge amounts of cicadas might also result in intestinal obstructions or present a choking hazard. Furthermore, certain dogs might be inflammatory to cicadas or their secretions, which could cause allergic responses, skin irritation, or itching.
● Impact on Walks and Outdoor Activities
Dog owners’ and their pets’ outdoor routines may be disturbed by the cicadas. The profusion of cicadas may cause dogs, especially those that are anxious or fearful of loud noises, to find walks and outdoor pursuits more difficult or even stressful.
Owners may need to modify their movement routes or timetables to reduce exposure to cicadas and steer clear of particularly infested areas. They should also exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities to keep their dogs from eating cicadas or getting into contact with other potentially dangerous materials, such as insecticides or pesticides.
Tips for Dog Owners
● Keep an eye on your dog outside to avoid their ingesting cicadas.
● Reduce your exposure by staying away from highly infected areas.
● Think about utilizing natural repellents to ward off cicadas.
● To keep your dog entertained, provide them indoor enrichment activities.
● Make use of puzzle feeders, games that are interactive, as well as indoor playtime.
● In order to keep your dog’s mind active, introduce new activities or training sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, careful handling is essential to guaranteeing our furry friends’ health and safety during cicada season. In the midst of Alexandria, Virginia’s buzzing cicadas, dog owners may assist their pets stay secure and at ease by monitoring outdoor activities, limiting exposure, and offering indoor enrichment.
We can confidently handle cicada season as well as guarantee our pets’ happiness and health by being watchful and prepared. Together, we can provide mutual support and exchange advice on how to successfully navigate the cicada season.
References
● Smith, K. (2021). “Cicada Season: A Guide for Dog Owners.” Dog Care Quarterly, 20(3), 42-47.
