Outside Items

No, your dog cannot eat a squirrel, much as she might like to.

Holy Cow my Dog Ate a Squirrel

If your pooch has consumed a squirrel, contact your vet. This kind of “snack” could cause intestinal obstruction and if the squirrel was already dead, there is the risk of disease or bacteria.

What’s the Concern

Bones can be hard to swallow and cause tears on the way down. For that matter, they can also cause tears on the way out…or on the way back up… Disease and bacteria are also a prime concern. Remember, diseases and wild “bugs” were bred out of domesticated dogs. So any exposure to wild animals can be a problem. In addition, squirrels have long sharp nails and injury is likely to happen if a dog snags a live squirrel.

Heads up to Hunting Dogs and their Persons

Hunting dogs are constantly on the hunt. While they may seem to be relaxed next to you on the deck, they are always in the know about what’s happening in the yard. Their eyes, ears, or noses are on constant alert. So if you own a hunting dog, you also have to be aware of what’s happening in your yard. There’s always a chase brewing. And while most dogs cannot catch a squirrel, it can happen. And if it does, you will have a nasty quarrel on your hands. Your dog can be injured by a scrappy foe who may carry rabies and other wild animal maladies. This scenario isn’t just reserved for hunting dogs, any dog can try to take down a squirrel. And if the squirrel is a baby (aka a “pup”), or it’s injured, a dog can pull a Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka and 10-count that rodent in a hurry.

Yes, Intervene if Your Dog Snatches a Squirrel

You should be mentally prepared to rescue the squirrel from your dog’s mouth whether it’s alive – or dead. While this may be the most exciting meal your dog has had in a year, it’s not a safe dining option for them. And worse, if your dog has picked up some saucy squirrel roadkill, you will have to fight her/him for it. A dead animal of any kind has a special kind of nastiness going on that your pet doesn’t need. We won’t spell out the types of bacteria and organisms on an animal that has been dead.

Call your vet if your dog has any kind of suspect contact with a wild animal.

No, your dog cannot eat wood. Wood can cause lots of issues, none of them good, including GI obstruction, tooth damage, or mouth injury.

Despite H

Despite how much your dog seems to adore your couch legs, coffee tables, mulch, and twigs,

No, as the name suggests, your dog cannot eat poisonous plants, such as poinsettias. Research your plants before you buy. Your local nursery should be able to help with advice.

Yes, your dog can eat a fly, as flies are harmless.

No, your dog cannot have grass seed. Remember, garden products make up nearly 3% of all calls to the Animal Poison Control Center. Some brands of grass seed may come pre-treated with chemicals that could be dangerous to your pet.

Yes, your dog can eat dirt. If your dog seems to be eating an excessive amount of dirt, it may signal a health issue so call your vet.

No, your dog cannot eat a rat. If you suspect your dog has eaten a rat or a portion of a rat, contact your vet immediately. There is the possibility that your dog could suffer an intestinal obstruction. An even bigger concern is that the rat mouse had been poisoned.

Yes, your dog can eat grass. Dogs eat grass for various reasons, many times to sooth stomach upset.

No, your dog should not eat wild mushrooms (mushrooms found in the woods). While most are not toxic, the ones that are can be fatal. In our opinion, it is not worth the chance.

Yes, your dog can eat maggots (and we’re not sure why she would want to!). While eating maggots not recommended, it is typically not a problem unless spoiled food was also consumed.