Animal Control Services for Charles County warns that the bumper crop
of 17-year cicadas expected to soon overwhelm the region can be harmful
to your pet.

These one-and-a-half-inch bugs are not only very tasty to your pets,
but also are the ultimate flying pet toys. They are loud (buzzing), slow
moving, and low flying, making them an easy target for even the oldest
and slowest pet. For most pets it's a once in a lifetime experience
that they find irresistible. 

While the cicadas are active, Animal Control advises that you keep your
pets indoors when not attended, and monitor them while they are outside
so that they don't overindulge on this flying junk food. The insects
themselves are protein-rich, but their exoskeletons are indigestible.
Eating a few of these insects won't hurt your pet, but too many can
overload an animal's digestive tract with chitin, the hard substance
that makes up the insect's shell.

If a pet has more than a few vomiting episodes, becomes constipated, or
appears to be in pain after feasting on these insects, a phone call or
trips to your veterinarian may be in order.

If you need additional information, call the Animal Control Division of
the Department of Emergency Services at 301-609-3425