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Dogs are fascinated by many kinds of animals, especially those that hop, fly, and run. Some dogs have even been known to chase bats! But what happens if a dog eats a bat?
Has your dog eaten a bat? Are you worried the bat will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together information about bats and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Bat?
Bats are flying mammals; they’re the only mammal capable of actual flight. These animals have very long arms and “fingers” that are covered with a thin membrane. The membrane allows the bats to fly much like a bird.
There are over 1,400 species of bats around the world. One of the largest is found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, East Africa, and some other locations. These bats have a wingspan of about 4 ft 11 in! The faces of these bats strongly resemble a fox, so the bats are sometimes called “flying foxes.”
Then there are microbats, which are extremely small. These bats use echolocation to find insects to eat. And the bats are tiny compared to the flying foxes of Asia!
Bats are truly fascinating creatures, but can they make a dog sick? Can a dog get sick from eating a bat?
Bats & Dogs
Unfortunately, a bat can make a dog sick. For one thing, like other animals, bats do carry pathogens. If a dog eats a bat, he could become infected with germs, bacteria, viruses, and more than bats can carry.
One of the most dangerous pathogens sometimes carried by bats is rabies. Rabies can be transferred by a bite, an open wound, or through saliva. So, if a bat is infected with rabies and a dog eats it, the dog could develop a rabies infection.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats a Bat
If your dog has eaten a bat, we recommend calling your vet immediately. If it’s after hours and your vet isn’t available, contact the nearest emergency vet.
Prevention is Best
The best way to keep your dog safe is to ensure he has his rabies shot & any required booster shots. A dog fully protected by the rabies vaccine won’t become infected with rabies.
It is possible that the dog could become sick from other pathogens, but this is rare. The main issue is rabies. And a dog that’s fully vaccinated will be safe from this very dangerous infection.
Prevention is always the best medicine, so ensure your dog is up to date with his rabies shots and other vaccinations.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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