You’ve seen them about and you’ve probably worried about the way your furry friend chases them. But are stink bugs poisonous to dogs or should you stop worrying about them?

Are Stink Bugs Poisonous to Dogs?

Dogs will eat just about anything and this is especially true for insects that they can chase or that fly, such as stink bugs. If you’ve ever squashed a stink bug, you’re probably familiar with the unpleasant odor they emit that gives them their name.

Now that summer is here, stink bugs are out in full force. Moving and flying insects tend to set off your dog’s predatory nature and it’s not uncommon for them to try to eat insects. Stink bugs release a strange smell when threatened or squashed, it’s an odor that vaguely resembles cilantro. Most dogs will shy away from stink bugs simply because of their unsavory odor although it’s not unheard of for some dogs, especially puppies, to eat one despite their odor. But are stink bugs poisonous to dogs?

Stink bugs are a plant-eating insect that can become quite a nuisance for anyone with a garden. Stink bugs feed on plants and can make fruit unsafe to eat if they feed on it. They are typically a grayish brown color but can be a variety of colors including black and even more of a yellow color. The wings on a stink bug resemble the shape of a shield when closed but their legs stick out from the sides of their bodies similar to a spider. Crops such as potatoes, corn, and beans can fall prey to stink bugs if the proper steps aren’t taken to keep them away from plants.

What If My Dog Eats a Stink Bug?

If your dog eats a stink bug, despite the foul odor, don’t panic. Stink bugs aren’t poisonous to dogs although most dogs will experience some negative symptoms after eating one. There are chemicals, or aldehydes, in the stink bug which may taste just bitter and awful to your dog.

A dog’s natural reaction to this bitter taste may be excessive drooling or even some foaming at the mouth. Some dogs could experience an upset stomach so you may see them eating grass, something dogs do to settle their stomach. In rare cases, your dog may actually vomit from eating a stink bug.

If these chemicals get into your dog’s eyes during the encounter, your dog may experience some pain and irritation in their eyes but it should pass without treatment. As with any reaction, if your dog’s symptoms do not resolve themselves within twelve hours or less or if your dog is experiencing a more severe reaction than mentioned here, seek immediate assistance from a professional vet.

What Insects Are Not Safe for Dogs?

Okay, so stink bugs aren’t great for dogs but they aren’t going to kill them. Even though eating bugs is practiced by humans in some locations all over the world, it’s good to know which ones your dog should steer clear of if possible. So, what other insects are not safe for dogs?

• Lightning bugs
• June Bugs
• Caterpillars
• Cockroaches
• Cicadas

A dog’s reaction to any of the above insects will vary, and will also depend on how much of the insects they’ve eaten but these are the ones to stay away from and avoid if possible.