My Dog Ate Crow What Should I Do?

Dogs can sometimes do surprising, shocking things such as eating a bird or other animals. That can be very upsetting for pet parents, especially those who love watching birds. But what happens if a dog eats a crow? Can the crow make a dog sick?

Has your dog eaten a crow? Are you worried the crow will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when something like this happens.

We’ve put together some information about crows and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

What is a Crow?

Crows are large, black birds that are highly intelligent and produce a harsh call called a “caw.” They usually like to hang around in large groups, too.

There are about 40 species of crow around the world. The most common crow in the US is the American crow. These birds stand about 17.5 inches tall and weigh between 12 to 57 oz.

While crows can be great for the environment (they eat dead things, etc.), what happens if a dog eats a crow?

Crows & Dogs

Some dogs, especially those dog breeds bred to hunt, have a penchant for catching and eating birds. It’s an instinct that can’t be bred out of the dog. However, there are other dogs that may find it fun to chase down and devour birds, such as crows. Like humans, dogs are unique individuals who have a wide range of preferences and habits.

It’s hard to imagine that a dog would be able to catch a crow. Crows are intelligent and very fast; however, dogs are also great hunters and fast. So, it is possible for a dog to catch a live crow. A dog may come across a dead crow and try to eat in other cases.

The main health issue is that crows can carry diseases like other wild birds. For instance, crows can carry salmonella and chlamydia, and more. Crows can also carry the West Nile virus in some parts of the country.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten a Crow

If your dog has eaten a crow, there’s a chance he won’t get sick. However, it’s important to monitor your dog for symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and more.

For dogs that show any concerning symptoms (such as diarrhea and vomiting that don’t stop after 12-24 hours), it’s best to call the vet right away. Don’t wait to see if your dog’s symptoms will worsen or improve.

The good news is that most dogs that receive prompt treatment will make a full recovery!