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Some dogs seem to have a craving to eat the most disgusting things! This can include anything in the garbage, roadkill, or even mouse poop. Yuck! But can a dog get sick from eating mouse poop?
Has your dog eaten mouse poop? Are you worried the mouse poop 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 mouse poop and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Mouse Poop?
Mouse poop is poo that’s created by mice. It may also be called “mouse droppings.” Mouse poop is usually shaped like a grain (oval) and is black. It can look like several pieces of black rice. However, mouse poop can vary in color, depending on what the mouse or mice have been eating.
Mouse droppings or poop are usually found in places where mice like to roam. This is usually inside cabinets, drawers, pantries, vents, attics, and crawl spaces. In a room, mice rarely run out in the open; mice tend to roam the edges of open spaces, So you may find their droppings right along the floorboards (where the wall and floor meet), especially behind furniture. Mice tend to roam the edges of open spaces.
What happens if your dog finds and eats mouse poop?
Mouse Poop & Dogs
Unfortunately, it is possible that mouse poop could make a dog sick. Mice can carry several pathogens that could infect a dog if he eats their poop.
Some of the most common pathogens found in mice include:
Leptospirosis: is a bacteria found in mouse droppings. It’s more common in areas that are tropical or warm areas.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCM): is usually spread by domestic mice and a dog may become infected from inhaling dried particles of mouse poop.
Hantavirus: is not common, except in the southwestern parts of the US. This infection can be carried by mice and rats. A dog may become infected by inhaling or eating droppings, saliva, or urine.
Salmonella: is another common pathogen carried by some mice. This bacteria can cause major digestive system issues, including diarrhea.
While rare, it’s also possible a dog could be exposed to mouse poison by eating mouse poop. However, the dog would have to eat a lot of mouse droppings for this to happen. Still, it’s possible if a dog likes to eat mouse poop and there’s a lot of it in the dog’s environment.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats Mouse Poop
If your dog has eaten mouse poop, it’s best to call the vet. They can explain the symptoms to watch for and how to help your dog if he becomes sick. It’s crucial to follow the vet’s advice to keep your fur baby from becoming very ill.
The best way to keep your dog healthy is to keep him from eating mouse poop in the first place. Prevention is always the best way to ensure your dog’s health.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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