What Happens If Your Dog Licks a Dead Squirrel? 
Have you ever wondered what happens if your dog licks and ingests a dead squirrel? If your dog ate a dead squirrel in your yard, you should take them to the vet immediately. Whether it’s a rat, a squirrel or a dead squirrel, here are some facts about what can happen to your dog. Dead rodents contain parasites, and if your dog licks a dead squirrel, it could get one or more of these diseases. Your dog might even starve to death because it is starving. If this happens, you will want to take action immediately.
Leptospirosis
Infection with spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospirosis is a common problem that can affect both dogs and humans. The bacteria are spread through contact with infected urine, but it can also be transmitted indirectly through food and water sources. Infected animals produce the infectious bacteria known as leptospires, which are capable of penetrating the skin and mucous membranes of dogs and people.
When dogs hunt and kill squirrels, the dogs are exposed to the bacterial infection called leptospirosis. If the dog consumes a squirrel, it will release its urine, which can contain leptospirosis. If your dog licks a squirrel or urinates on one of these animals, consult your veterinarian immediately. Similarly, if your dog licks a dead squirrel, it may be infected with coccidia.
Coccidiosis
It’s possible your dog has ingested infected mouse or squirrel feces, which contains coccidia. However, not all infected animals have symptoms. To determine if your dog has the disease, he or she must have his or her feces tested. During this test, the technician will mix a small amount of feces with a heavy solution that forces the parasite eggs to float and adhere to a microscope slide. Once the sample has been mixed, the microscope slide is removed and examined under a magnifying glass. The eggs can be clearly seen under a microscope. If the test results do not show any eggs, your veterinarian may recommend treatment for coccidiosis or repeat the test.
If your dog is not showing any signs of illness after licking a dead squirrel, contact your veterinarian immediately. Ensure your dog’s health is in good condition, as any animal can carry a variety of bacteria and parasites. A de-worming and up-to-date vaccination are essential for your dog’s safety. Observe your dog carefully over the next two to four weeks to determine if your dog has caught the disease.
Rabies
If you see your dog licking a dead squirrel, it may have contracted rabies. The virus only remains in the saliva and fluids of infected animals for a short time, but can be spread to your dog through prolonged contact with rotten animal carcasses. If your dog has recently been exposed to a dead squirrel, you should have it tested immediately. The disease is a fatal disease for dogs, and can be prevented by preventing your dog from coming into contact with it.
Fortunately, it is very unlikely for your dog to acquire rabies from a dead squirrel. However, it is possible for your dog to catch rabies from the saliva of a deceased animal. The disease is transmitted through saliva and can cause severe symptoms in your dog. Dogs often lick the body of a dead animal, and if your dog licks a squirrel, the risk is much lower than if it ate a live one.
Leptospirosis can be transmitted through licking a dead squirrel
Exposure to the urine of infected animals can cause the disease to infect humans. It can be transmitted through human contact with the urine, which is spread via contaminated soil and water. Infected animals may shed leptospires through their paws, cuts, and scrapes. The infection usually produces flu-like symptoms in three to five days. Dogs suffering from leptospirosis may also have poor appetite and show signs of dehydration. It can even cause liver and kidney failure.
Dogs are prone to exposure to wildlife because of their rapid development. Moreover, dogs may catch leptospirosis by licking a dead squirrel. Dogs may also contract the disease by chasing squirrels. Dogs will release the infected squirrel’s urine when they chase a squirrel. Fortunately, dogs are remarkably good at choosing their favorite treats.
Taking your dog to the vet if you suspect the squirrel was poisoned
If you suspect your dog may have ingested a squirrel, you should take him to the vet right away. This is a very serious situation because he may have contracted bacteria or parasites from the squirrel. In addition to poison, he may have contracted other diseases from the squirrel. The only way to get your dog well again is to take him to the vet.
If you believe your dog has ingested a squirrel, there are some precautions you should take. First, it is important to have your dog tested for rabies. The dog may have picked up the disease from a dead squirrel. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, you should take him to the vet to be sure. A rabies test can help rule out any infection.
What are the risks of a dog licking a dead squirrel?
The risks of a dog licking a dead squirrel include bacteria and virus transmission as well as ingestion of toxins.
What kind of bacteria or viruses could a dog transmit by licking a dead squirrel?
A dog could transmit bacteria such as salmonella or E.
coli as well as viruses such as rabies or canine parvovirus.
What toxins might a dog ingest by licking a dead squirrel?
Toxins that a dog might ingest by licking a dead squirrel include pesticides herbicides and heavy metals.
How can I prevent my dog from licking a dead squirrel?
You can prevent your dog from licking a dead squirrel by keeping them on a leash not allowing them to roam off leash in areas where dead animals may be present and not letting them eat or play with dead animals.
What should I do if my dog licks a dead squirrel?
If your dog licks a dead squirrel you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
The vet will likely recommend a course of antibiotics and may need to monitor the dog for signs of illness.
What are the signs of illness in a dog that has licked a dead squirrel?
Signs of illness in a dog that has licked a dead squirrel include vomiting diarrhea lethargy and fever.
Can a dog die from licking a dead squirrel?
While it is unlikely a dog could die from licking a dead squirrel if they ingested a large amount of toxins or if they contracted a serious illness such as rabies.
How long does it take for symptoms of illness to appear in a dog that has licked a dead squirrel?
Symptoms of illness in a dog that has licked a dead squirrel may appear within a few days or may not appear for weeks or months.
Is there a treatment for a dog that has licked a dead squirrel?
If a dog has licked a dead squirrel the treatment will depend on the symptoms that are present.
If the dog is showing signs of illness the vet will likely recommend a course of antibiotics.
How much does it cost to treat a dog that has licked a dead squirrel?
The cost of treatment for a dog that has licked a dead squirrel will depend on the dog’s symptoms and the course of treatment recommended by the vet.
How can I prevent my dog from getting sick if they lick a dead squirrel?
You can prevent your dog from getting sick if they lick a dead squirrel by taking them to the vet as soon as possible and following the course of treatment recommended by the vet.
Is there a vaccine for a dog that has licked a dead squirrel?
There is not a vaccine for a dog that has licked a dead squirrel.
What are the risks of not treating a dog that has licked a dead squirrel?
If a dog has licked a dead squirrel and is not treated they may develop a serious illness such as rabies or canine parvovirus.
How long does a dog need to be treated for if they have licked a dead squirrel?
The length of treatment for a dog that has licked a dead squirrel will depend on the dog’s symptoms and the course of treatment recommended by the vet.
What should I do with the dead squirrel if my dog has licked it?
If your dog has licked a dead squirrel you should take it to the vet as soon as possible.
The vet will likely recommend a course of antibiotics and may need to monitor the dog for signs of illness.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
