My Dog Ate a Squirrel: Should I Be Worried?

It‘s a beautiful spring day and you‘re playing fetch with your pup in the backyard. Suddenly, a flash of fur catches your dog‘s eye and he takes off in hot pursuit. Before you can intervene, he proudly trots back to you with a limp squirrel dangling from his mouth. Yikes! What should you do?

First, don‘t panic. If your dog ate a squirrel, he‘s actually following his natural predatory instincts. Squirrels and other small prey were a regular part of the ancestral canine diet. However, our modern world presents some added risks when dogs chow down on wild critters. Here‘s what you need to know:

The Dangers Lurking in Squirrel Meat

While squirrels aren‘t inherently toxic to dogs, they can harbor a host of unpleasant parasites and diseases. The most common concerns include:

1. Parasites

Fleas, ticks, roundworms, and tapeworms frequently make their home on and in squirrels. If ingested by your dog, these freeloaders can cause issues like:

• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
• Gastrointestinal upset from worms
• Malnutrition and weight loss in severe infestations

Luckily, most parasites can be easily treated with medication from your vet. Prevention is key, so talk to your vet about the best year-round parasite control plan for your pup.

2. Bacterial and Viral Diseases

Squirrels can carry some scary-sounding diseases, such as:

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can lead to kidney and liver failure
• Salmonellosis: A type of food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria
• Tularemia: A rare but serious illness also known as "rabbit fever"

Most of these illnesses cause flu-like symptoms in dogs, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. In severe cases, they can be fatal.

The good news? Vaccines are available for some of the most dangerous diseases, like leptospirosis. And according to recent data, the risk of contracting diseases from squirrels is quite low. A 2019 CDC study found that out of 1,368 squirrels tested across 26 states, only 5 (0.36%) were positive for leptospirosis.

But what about rabies? While any mammal can theoretically carry rabies, squirrels are very rarely infected. In fact, the odds of encountering a rabid squirrel are estimated to be just 1 in 307 million! Still, it‘s crucial to keep your dog up-to-date on their rabies vaccine, just in case.

3. Intestinal Blockage

One of the most dangerous aspects of eating a squirrel is actually the bones and fur. If swallowed whole or in large chunks, these indigestible parts can cause a blockage in your dog‘s intestines.

Bowel obstructions are a serious medical emergency that often require surgery to correct. Signs to watch for include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Straining to defecate
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain or swelling

Small dogs and puppies are especially at risk for blockages, so extra vigilance is key. If you suspect your dog ingested a good portion of the squirrel, it‘s best to get them checked out by a vet ASAP.

4. Toxin Exposure

In rare cases, squirrels may ingest poisonous substances like rodenticides or toxic plants. If your dog then eats the contaminated squirrel meat, they can suffer secondary poisoning.

Rodenticide toxicity is particularly dangerous, as the most common ingredients work by preventing blood clotting. Affected dogs may show signs like:

• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Bloody nose or gums
• Blood in urine or feces
• Collapse

If you have any reason to suspect poisoning, contact your vet or an animal poison control hotline immediately. Quick treatment is critical for the best outcome.

I Think My Dog Ate a Squirrel! Now What?

So your precious pup has pawed a squirrel – take a deep breath! In most cases, dogs who nosh on squirrels will be perfectly fine, especially if they are up-to-date on vaccines and preventatives.

Still, it‘s always a good idea to call your vet for guidance. They may recommend bringing your dog in for an exam to check for any injuries from the hunt. If your dog is due for a parasite control treatment, your vet can also prescribe a dewormer or flea/tick preventative.

For the next 24-48 hours, keep a close eye on your dog for any unusual symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Check their gums as well – they should be a healthy pink color, not pale or yellow. If you notice any concerning signs, give your vet a call right away.

Keeping the Squirrels (and Your Dog) Safe

Of course, the best way to protect your pup is to prevent squirrel snacking in the first place. Depending on your dog‘s prey drive, this may be easier said than done! But these tips can help:

• Keep your dog on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outdoors
• Practice the "leave it" command to stop your dog from picking up inappropriate objects
• Teach your dog to "trade" items in their mouth for a high-value treat
• Remove fallen birdseed, nuts, and fruit from your yard to avoid attracting squirrels
• Store trash and compost in tightly secured receptacles

If you do find a dead squirrel on your property, dispose of it properly to prevent your dog from scavenging. Wear gloves to place the carcass in a plastic bag, then contact your local animal control office for specific guidance on disposal.

With some simple precautions, you can protect your lovable pup and the bushy-tailed critters that share their space. Here‘s to many more happy, healthy romps in the great outdoors!

Quick Reference: Squirrel Safety

If your dog ate a squirrel, follow these steps:

1. Check for signs of choking or difficulty breathing – if present, go to an emergency vet immediately

2. Look for any obvious injuries or bite wounds and contact your vet if found

3. Call your regular vet for guidance and to check if vaccines and preventatives are up-to-date

4. Monitor your dog for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite over the next 1-2 days

5. If you suspect poisoning or notice pale gums, bloody stool, or collapse, go to the vet right away

To prevent squirrel snacking:

• Keep dogs leashed or securely fenced
• Train the "leave it" and "trade" commands
• Tidy up fallen fruit, nuts, and birdseed
• Secure trash and compost bins
• Stay current on vaccines and parasite prevention
• Call your vet or poison control right away if poisoning is suspected

With knowledge and preventative care, you can keep your curious canine safe from the hidden hazards of squirrel eating. Remember, if you‘re ever concerned about your dog‘s health, don‘t hesitate to contact your trusted veterinarian for personalized advice.