Do you have pigeons near your home? Does your dog like to eat pigeon poop? If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
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We’ve put together some information about pigeon poop and whether or not it can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!
Birds and Their Poop
Pigeons are pretty birds, but they can be a nuisance, especially if they poop everywhere. Did you know that pigeons (also called Rock Pigeons) are one of the oldest domesticated birds in the world? Who knew! They were first domesticated in ancient Mesopotamia over 5,00 years ago, though experts say they were domesticated over 10,000 years ago.
Pigeons have been useful birds in carrying messages during wartime; they’ve also been raised to eat. However, these days, pigeons are seen as more of a nuisance. These birds are also seen as an invasive species in some parts of the world.
Think of those lovely places in Europe that are filled with pigeons and statues or beautiful architecture. If there are hundreds of pigeons around, the architecture and statues will be lost under a covering of pigeon poop. Not very appealing, to say the least!
Is that pigeon poop poisonous for your dog? Can pigeon poop make your dog sick?
Pigeon Poop & Dogs
For some reason, there are dogs who go bananas for pigeon poop. It’s like an obsession with them. When they see pigeon or bird poop, they have to eat it! Yuck! But can this bird poop make dogs sick?
The answer is yes. Bird poop from any bird can carry parasites and germs that can make a dog very sick. Two of the most common infections in bird poop that affect dogs are:
Histoplasmosis: is a fungal infection found in bird droppings. Symptoms of this infection include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Skin problems
- Breathing problems
Chlamydia psittaci: this is a bacterial infection that can come from bird poop or dead birds. Symptoms of this infection include:
- Swollen, red, watery eyes with a yellow or green discharge
- Pawing at their eyes due to itchiness & discomfort
- Panting more than usual with less energy
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, or others that are concerning, then it’s time to call the vet. These illnesses are treatable—the sooner they’re treated, the better.
When you’re out walking your dog, try to keep him from eating pigeon or other bird poop. He could easily become very sick from this bad habit! Prevention is always much better than getting sick and needing to see the vet. So, try to keep your fur baby away from bird poop.
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.
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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