My dog ate a lightning bug. Is diarrhea a symptom of toxicity?

I would definitely try to discourage this type of behavior if possible. While they not likely to cause severe illness or death in dogs, they can still cause problems particularly if the bugs were spending any time near pesticides. I have read about instances of dogs consuming a few of these and ending up in the hospital and then also read about others who have eaten dozens with little to no reaction. As a result, a "better safe than sorry" attitude should probably be taken.

Most bugs will not harm a dog if eaten. In general, the more colorful a bug is, the more toxic it may be. Rinse his mouth thoroughly with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Monitor for lethargy, drooling, swelling or pawing at the mouth. See your veterinarian if any of these symptoms develop.

Pokeweed can cause severe GI upset when ingested. Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet ( boiled boneless / skinless chicken and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Feed until the stool is normal then transition slowly to the regular diet. If the diarrhea does not resolve, see your veterinarian. Restrict access to or remove the pokeweed to prevent future episodes.

Yes, if your dog has a sensitive GI tract. Dogs won't typically get infected with rabbit parasites. They are usually species specific. Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet ( boiled boneless / skinless chicken and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Continue feeding until the stool is normal. Transition slowly to the regular diet afterwards. If the diarrhea does not resolve, see your veterinarian. Submit a stool sample to rule out other intestinal parasites. Try to restrict your dog's access to rabbit stool.

The galls can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. The excess mucous is likely due to inflammation/irritation in the colon caused by the galls. Withhold food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts until the stool is normal then transition slowly to the regular diet. If symptoms persist, see your veterinarian.

You don't mention how many tablets he ate, or how much he weighs. Like all toxicities, Imodium toxicity is dose-dependent, meaning the severity of signs is related to how much was ingested. Dosages of 1.25 – 5 mg/kg can cause vomiting, depression, and salivation. The best way to help him is to get him in to see a vet who can give drugs to control nausea and administer activated charcoal to absorb the rest of the drug in the GI tract. Fluids will likely help him feel better as well.

Geckos are not toxic, but may carry parasites that could be harmful. At worst, you may see some temporary stomach upset. Consider a short fast followed by a b;and diet fed in small, frequent amounts until symptoms resolve. Transition slowly to the regular diet afterwards. My condolences on the loss of your gecko.