Does eating cicadas harm our pets? Are muzzles safe?

Max, a longhaired dachshund, rests in the grass with a cicada perched on his muzzle. (Kevin Ambrose for The Washington Post)

By Kevin Ambrose

Cicadas are an excellent food source, high in protein and low in fat, and have been called “tree shrimp” by people who are fond of eating them. Our pets, however, frequently have problems digesting cicadas. It’s particularly prevalent with dogs and cats. Subscribe for unlimited access to The Post You can cancel anytime. Subscribe

Why do many of our pets get sick after eating cicadas? And does a cicada binge pose a danger or health risk to our animals?

My name is Max, and I have a cicada problem

I interviewed Lisa Lentz, a veterinarian at Pender Veterinary Centre in Fairfax, Va., to ask these questions and inquire about dog muzzles. My interv