Dog eating dead animal

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have an 8 month old Beagle/Springer Spaniel mix. Last night while in the yard she got something dead from behind a bush, I am pretty sure it was a dead bird, but not 100%. I have no idea how long it's been there. She scarfed it down before I could even get to her. She seemed fine except maybe a little extra tired today and was having more bowel movements.

Well we were just outside and she got another one! Like I said, I'm not completely sure what she's getting but it's definitely dead and I think it has feathers. Is this dangerous to her or to us? I washed my hands after bringing her in, but that's about it. Are there any illnesses that her or my family could contract?

Thank you!

ANSWER: No but I would be concerned about the fact that there were two dead birds in your yard at all. What killed them? If they were poisoned she will also be poisoned by eating them.

That would be my biggest concern here! I would make her vomit up this bird by giving her about 5 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and pour it down her throat. I wouldn't feed her anything tonight either.

If she becomes lethargic, or starts to stumble or lose her balance she will need to be rushed to an emergency vet.

Get her to vomit now and avoid that if possible. But you must watch that she doesn't get any more. Birds just don't drop dead in groups unless they are being shot or poisoned.

If she starts to have diarrhea that would be normal but she could get gastritis or pancreatitis from this as well and those can be very serious if not treated.

So please try to make her vomit this up as soon as you can.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That's a good point that I didn't think of! We don't have any poison out for any reason, so I can't imagine what it would be.

This happened maybe 5 or 6 hours ago at this point, is it too late to induce vomiting?

Thanks

Answer
Yes it's too late. I am guessing she is fine? Again, if you notice any strange behavior, lethargy, vomiting, or excessive diarrhea, you really should call your vet and have her seen.

Maybe the birds froze? I don't know where you live but that is a possibility with the strange winter the east has had.