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Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, such as rabbit poop! What possesses a dog to eat such a thing? No one’s really sure. There is a fear; however, that rabbit poop could make a dog sick. So, what’s the truth? Can a dog get sick from eating rabbit poop?
Has your dog eaten rabbit poop? Are you worried that rabbit poop will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary (and gross!) if your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about rabbit poop and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Rabbit Poop?
Rabbit poop is the excrement produced by rabbits. Some people use rabbit poop as manure in their gardens, but sometimes dogs like to munch down on this gross stuff!
But what happens if a dog eats rabbit poop? Can rabbit poop make a dog sick?
Rabbit Poop & Dogs
Dogs eat rabbit poop for many reasons, including:
Curiosity: dogs tend to explore their environment and are curious about everything, including rabbit poop. So, why not eat it (at least, that’s how a dog thinks)?
Nutritional deficiencies: certain nutritional deficiencies may cause a dog to eat rabbit poop. For instance, rabbit poop is high in fiber and B-complex vitamins. This may be the reason some dogs eat this gross stuff!
Pica: is a behavioral condition that causes dogs to eat non-food items such as poop and other things. The condition may be driven by an underlying health issue. However, some dogs may compulsively eat rabbit poop.
Hunger: when a dog is hungry, he may try to eat almost anything, including rabbit poop. However, some dogs may also like the taste of rabbit poop, much to our dismay.
These are a few of the reasons a dog may eat rabbit poop. But can rabbit poop make a dog sick? The good news is that rabbit poop usually isn’t dangerous for dogs. However, it’s best to understand that rabbit poop can contain bacteria and other pathogens. These can make a dog very sick.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms to Watch For
If your dog has eaten rabbit poop, it’s a good idea to monitor him for different symptoms, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to call the vet. They have the knowledge and experience to treat these symptoms. In addition, persistent diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration in your dog.
Treatment of Rabbit Poop Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may run tests to determine whether your fur baby has an underlying health issue. If so, treating this problem may cause the dog to stop eating rabbit poop.
When the underlying health issue is treated, your dog will feel much better again!
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after eating rabbit poop. In the future, it’s best to keep all rabbit poop out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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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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