What should be done if a dog ate a dead rat? - briefly
Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or signs of infection. Contact a veterinarian promptly; they may recommend an examination and appropriate treatment, including deworming or antibiotics.
What should be done if a dog ate a dead rat? - in detail
If a canine consumes a deceased rodent, act promptly.
First, remove any remaining carcass fragments to prevent further ingestion. Examine the mouth for visible pieces; if you can see a piece that can be safely extracted with tweezers, do so without causing injury.
Next, assess the dog’s condition:
- Observe respiration and heart rate.
- Look for coughing, gagging, retching, or excessive drooling.
- Check for signs of abdominal pain such as whining, restlessness, or a tense belly.
- Note any vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in stool.
If any abnormal signs appear, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even in the absence of symptoms, a professional call is advisable because the rat may have carried pathogens (e.g., leptospira, salmonella) or parasites that can cause delayed illness.
While waiting for veterinary guidance, follow these precautions:
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional; forced emesis can cause aspiration or damage the esophagus.
- Offer fresh water in small amounts to keep the mouth moist, but avoid large volumes that might trigger nausea.
- Limit food for the next 12‑24 hours to reduce gastrointestinal stress, unless the vet advises otherwise.
- Record the time of ingestion and any observed behavior; this information aids diagnosis and treatment planning.
The veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following interventions:
- Induced emesis using a safe, prescribed agent if the ingestion was recent (typically within 2 hours) and the dog is not at risk for aspiration.
- Endoscopic retrieval to remove lodged fragments that could cause obstruction.
- Administration of broad‑spectrum antibiotics to address bacterial contamination from the rodent.
- Antiparasitic medication if the rat is suspected of carrying internal parasites.
- Supportive therapy such as fluid therapy, anti‑emetics, and pain relief to stabilize the animal.
After treatment, monitor the dog closely for at least 48 hours. Report any delayed vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or changes in stool to the veterinarian promptly.
Prevent future incidents by securing garbage, controlling rodent populations, and supervising outdoor access, especially in areas where wildlife carcasses are likely to be present.