Dogs can be really gross; there’s no getting around that. What disgusts many pet parents is when their dog eats or licks poop! However, this is a normal part of being a dog. Yuck! But can a dog get sick if they lick the poop of another animal, such as a deer?
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Has your dog licked some deer poop? Are you worried the deer poop could make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog does something of this nature.
In this article, we’ll take a look at whether or not licking deer poop can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Why Do Dogs Lick Deer Poop?
If your dog only licks deer poop, consider yourself lucky! There are many dogs that consider deer poop and the poop of other animals to be a delicacy! There are many reasons that a dog might choose to lick deer (or other types of) poop, including:
- Lack of nutrients
- Hunger
- The deer poop may smell like food
- Underlying medical conditions (diabetes and Cushing’s disease, and others)
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Seeking attention (even negative attention is something!)
- Just because
Some dogs may have a condition called coprophagia, which is the name for the habit of eating poop. Even so, can licking deer poop make a dog sick?
Deer Poop & Dogs
Unfortunately, it is possible for a dog that licks deer poop to get sick. The poop itself isn’t toxic; however, it may contain parasites or bacteria that could make the dog sick. Deer can be infected with whipworms, roundworms, giardia, coccidia, and more. In addition, they can carry bacteria such as leptospirosis and more.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms That Can Develop in Dogs That Lick Deer Poop
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has been licking deer poop:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Intestinal parasites
- Signs of an infection
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then it’s time to call the vet. Don’t wait to see if your dog’s symptoms will improve or worsen. Waiting can lead to more serious conditions developing.
Treatment will depend on what the condition diagnosed by the vet. The good news is that most dogs will make a complete recovery if they receive prompt medical care after licking deer poop!
And if your dog has a regular habit of licking/eating poop, then it’s good to discuss the problem with the vet. They may have some ideas on how you can get your dog to stop this gross habit!
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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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