How To Stop My Dog From Eating Bugs

Dogs are natural scavengers and will eat just about anything they can find.

While this may be amusing for us, it can be dangerous for our dogs if they start eating bugs.

Due to your love for the dog, you may want to stop this behavior.

So, how can you stop your dog from eating bugs?

You can stop your dog from eating bugs by not exposing him to these insects and controlling him whenever he comes into contact with them.

With these practices, your fido will eventually get used to staying without eating bugs.

If you know the dangers of your dog eating bugs, you’ll take the necessary action to stop the behavior.

Furthermore, you’ll be more diligent in keeping an eye on your dog when he’s outside.

Keep reading to know how to prevent your dog from eating bugs and the risks of this behavior.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Bugs

Dogs are obedient animals and will do as their owners direct.

Thus, if you don’t want your dog to eat bugs, show him the direction using the following tips:

Do Not Expose Him to Bugs

Your dog will not eat bugs if he does not come into contact with them. 

Use the following tips to avoid exposing your dog to bugs:

Keep Him Inside

If you live in an area with many bugs, it’s best to keep your dog indoors.

Such areas include:

• The woods
• Near a lake or pond
• In your garden

It’s worth noting that keeping your dog indoors requires a lot of effort.

You’ll need to provide him with enough exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization.

However, the effort is necessary for your canine’s health and safety.

Avoid Bug-Infested Areas

Certain areas are more prone to bugs than others.

As such, you should avoid these places with your dog.

These include:

• Damp areas
• Areas with standing water
• Flower beds
• Weeds

Avoid Going Out During Bug Season

There are certain times of the year when bugs are more active.

In most cases, bugs and insects are active during the warmer months of the year when temperatures rise above 50F.

It’s best to avoid taking your dog outdoors when the chances of coming into contact with bugs are high.

Check the forecast in your area and plan accordingly.

Controlling Your Dog Around Bugs

There will be times when you can’t avoid taking your dog to bug-infested areas.

However, you can prevent him from eating the bugs by:

Training Him

You can stop your dog from eating bugs by teaching him the “leave it” command.

The command is simple: when your dog goes to eat a bug, say “leave it” in a firm voice.

If he doesn’t listen, give him a light tap on the nose.

Repeating this process will train your dog to stay away from bugs.

It’s essential to be consistent with the command and only give it when your dog is trying to eat a bug.

Rewarding Your Dog

Like humans, dogs are motivated by rewards.

You can use treats to stop your dog from eating bugs.

Give him a treat whenever he listens to the “leave it” command.

The type of treat you give will depend on your preference.

However, make sure the treat is small so your dog doesn’t get full and stops listening to instructions.

Some good treats include:

• Dog biscuits
• Cheese
• Peanut butter

Using a Leash

You may want to exercise or take a walk with your furry friend.

However, with the dangers of bugs everywhere, you can’t risk letting your dog roam freely.

The solution is to use a leash.

A leash will give you better control over your dog and help keep him away from bugs.

With a dog leash, it’s easy to pull the dog back whenever you see him reaching for a bug.

Using Pest Repellent

If you can’t keep your dog inside all the time, then use a pest repellent on him.

This will create a barrier between your dog and the bugs.

You must use healthy pest repellents like essential oils to keep your dog safe.

Some of the best essential oils for dogs include:

• Lavender oil
• Citronella oil
• Peppermint oil
• Thyme oil
• Eucalyptus oil

These oils will keep bugs away from your dog and his food bowl.

Make sure to dilute the oil before applying it to your dog.

The Risks of Dogs Eating Bugs

While it may be tempting to let your dog eat bugs, it’s important to remember the dangers that come with it.

The common risks include:

Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies to the proteins in bug saliva and skin.

These allergies can cause rashes, itchiness, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Insect Bites and Stings

Bugs can bite or sting your dog.

Some stings like those from bees and wasps contain venom.

If your dog is allergic to venom, he can go into anaphylactic shock.

In extreme cases, the venom from a bee sting can be fatal.

Moreover, some insect bites will cause redness, swelling, and pain.

Intestinal Blockages

Eating bugs can also lead to intestinal blockages.

These blockages occur when a bug gets stuck in your dog’s intestines.

The blockage can cause pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Your furry friend will need surgery to remove the blockage in severe cases.

Infections

Bugs like ticks and fleas can carry diseases.

If your dog eats these bugs, he can develop infections like Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

When your dog is infected, he’ll experience fever, lethargy, and joint pain.

You’ll have to spend a lot of money on vet bills to get your dog back to good health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog obsessed with eating bugs?

Your dog is obsessed with eating bugs because he is curious.

When dogs see insects flying or crawling, they feel the urge to chase and catch them.

In some cases, dogs eat bugs due to insufficient protein in their bodies.

Should I stop my dog from eating bugs?

Yes, you should stop your dog from eating bugs.

Bugs can make your dog sick, bite him, or cause an allergic reaction.

Final Thoughts

As a responsible dog owner, it’s your job to keep your furry friend safe.

That means stopping him from eating bugs.

You can do this by not exposing the dog to bugs and controlling him in bug-infested areas.