If My Dog Chewed on a Dead Bird, Can She Get a Parasite?

We are searching data for your request:

Forums and discussions:

Manuals and reference books:

Data from registers:

Wait the end of the search in all databases.
Upon completion, a link will appear to access the found materials.

While you may not find a bird carcass appetizing, your pooch will undoubtedly find it worth scarfing. One parasite, though, coccidium, is zoonotic; it can pass from a dead bird to cause coccidiosis in dogs.

Transmission and Symptoms of Coccidiosis

The coccidium parasite enters your dog’s system through ingestion of infected stool, grass or dirt infected from stool, or by eating parasite-carrying birds or rodents. Symptoms of coccidiosis include mild to severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration and vomiting. In severe cases, diarrhea may contain blood or mucus.

Treatment and Prevention

The treatment for coccidiosis includes anti-parasitic medication. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to treat dehydration. To help reduce the risk of your dog picking up coccidium, check the year for dead birds or rodents and pick up feces on a regular basis, especially in areas where stray dogs are able to enter.

References