Can Cockroach Harm Dogs?

Although it is rare for a single cockroach to cause significant harm to your dog, it is a good idea to seek veterinary advice if you suspect your dog may have eaten a cockroach. Even if your dog does eat a cockroach, the amount of poison it contains is not enough to cause a significant problem. Your vet will prescribe any necessary medication or behavioral therapy to help your dog cope with its experience.

One way to tell if your dog has ingested a cockroach is to watch your dog closely. Cockroaches can obstruct the digestive tract and cause lacerations. A small cockroach is not fatal, but several roaches can block the digestive system completely. You should immediately seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has eaten a cockroach.

Cockroaches are naturally scared of humans and other animals larger than them. They scurry away from light and sound. Dogs, on the other hand, can detect them before they move. They can also track them, hunt them down, and kill them. By denying them access to your dog’s food, you can reduce the chances of them returning to your home.

Cockroaches are also known to carry parasites that can affect dogs. Cockroaches can carry the stomach worm, Physaloptera spp. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting.