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Do you use bird suet to feed the wild birds in the backyard? If so, you’re not alone! Using bird suet is very common, especially in the winter months. Because suet is so common, this means dogs may also gain access to suet. But what happens if a dog eats bird suet?
Has your dog eaten bird suet? Are you worried the bird suet will make your dog sick? If so, then 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 bird suet and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Bird Suet?
Suet is a hard fat that is found around the kidneys and loins in mutton and beef. Suet is attractive to many birds, especially in the winter months when they need more energy to stay warm.
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The suet used for birds is first melted, and the impurities are then removed. This process removes the impurities from the fat and helps it last longer. However, suet may also be made from a substitute mixed with other ingredients, including corn, peanuts, and more.
While suet can be safe and healthy for birds, what happens if a dog eats suet? Can bird suet make a dog sick?
Bird Suet & Dogs
Unfortunately, bird suet can make dogs very sick. The problem is that suet is fat and if dogs eat too much fat, they can develop a painful condition called pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is a painful and sometimes dangerous condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. This condition can affect a dog of any age, breed, or sex. In addition, this condition can be acute or chronic. The condition can also be mild or severe.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats bird suet:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Severe depression
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet right away. This may be an emergency.
At the vet’s, they will run some lab work to check your dog’s white blood cell count. They’ll also check his blood for other signs that can indicate pancreatitis. It may also be necessary to run x-rays or other imaging tests to see if the pancreas is inflamed.
The key to a dog’s survival is getting him treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, pancreatitis can cause death. So, be sure to get your canine companion to the vet ASAP!
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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