When dogs eat mice, diseases, parasites or even poisoning can be transmitted. Catching mice is an instinct that most dogs have. Dogs only eat rodents relatively rarely.
By the way, most terrier breeds were specifically bred to keep rodents away from the house and yard. This also explains why they love to dig and bark so much.
In most cases, eating a mouse in Germany is harmless. Dogs then eat less dry food, but it is usually not a cause for concern. [1]
More rarely, however, it can also have life-threatening consequences. Below you will learn about 6 potential consequences and their typical symptoms.
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#1 Poisoning
If the mouse has eaten poison bait, the dog will also ingest it while eating. This is often the reason why the four-legged friend was able to catch the mouse in the first place.
The same applies to mice that are already dead. Unfortunately, the symptoms sometimes only appear 3-5 days after the mouse has eaten. Typical signs are:
- Sudden vomiting
- Dog coughs up blood
- Bleeding gums
- Nosebleeds
- Breathing problems
- Feeling of weakness
- Blood in the stool [2]
The specific treatment usually depends on the type and amount of toxin. Basically, 3 different types of poisons are used in Germany:
- Anticoagulants: Stops blood clotting and therefore leads to internal bleeding.
- Cholecalciferol: Depletes calcium stores and leads to kidney failure.
- Bromethalin: Attacks the nervous system in the brain.
If you suspect this, you should consult the vet immediately. When you get there, the first thing you usually do is try to make your four-legged friend vomit. [3]
If dogs accidentally eat poisoned mice, the dog itself can become seriously poisoned. It is important to contact the emergency veterinary service immediately for diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent permanent damage.
#2 Roundworms
In addition to ticks, roundworms are also among the most common parasites in dogs. According to statistics, almost every dog will get it at some point in their life.
They are most commonly transmitted through mother's milk during puppyhood. After that, they live primarily in the intestines. Two other potential causes are:
- Environment: When the four-legged friends come into contact with the feces of other animals.
- Infected animals: When dogs eat a mouse infected with roundworms. [4]
Roundworms can usually be recognized when infected dogs suddenly develop a bloated stomach and suffer from chronic diarrhea. Other classic symptoms are:
- weight loss
- Feeling of weakness
- Frequent vomiting
- Sudden cough
- stomach pain
- Worms in the stool [5]
Roundworms are usually only really dangerous for puppies. For this reason, it is important to follow the deworming recommendation plan from the start.
If dogs eat a mouse that was infected with roundworms, these parasites are also transmitted to the four-legged friend. In most cases it is noticeable through diarrhea, flatulence and nausea. A worm treatment is sufficient for treatment.
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#3 Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasites called “Toxoplasma gondii”. This infection is most common in cats.
These parasites are usually transmitted when dogs eat cat feces, raw meat or infected mice. Typical signs of this are:
- Dog is shaking
- Muscle weakness
- shortness of breath
- Dog refuses food
- Nausea and vomiting
- weight loss
- Fever [6]
This infection is particularly dangerous for young dogs whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, as well as for four-legged friends who have already been previously ill.
In some cases, adult and healthy dogs do not require treatment. Here the infection often heals itself. However, a visit to the doctor is still advisable.
Anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed for puppies and sick dogs. For prevention, it is recommended not to give dogs raw meat. [7]
If mice are infected with toxoplasmosis and the dog then eats them, the infectious disease is usually also transmitted. You can recognize it primarily when the dog gets a fever, vomits frequently, starts shaking and generally appears weak.
#4 Stomach irritation
Dogs are originally descended from wolves, which are pure carnivores. In the meantime, however, dogs have primarily developed into omnivores through domestication.
The problem? If a dog has been fed dry food and treats its entire life, then the digestive system has completely adapted to it.
By nature, dogs should be able to eat and digest a mouse without any problems. However, changing your diet can irritate your stomach. Typical symptoms of this are:
- Severe flatulence
- Increased saliva production
- Nausea and vomiting
- Refusal of food
- Lethargic behavior
- Dog burps frequently [8]
If the upset stomach is just because of the “newness,” then a 10-hour fast is usually enough to treat it. You don't need to take the bowl away.
As a rule, dogs in such cases refuse their food on their own. If you suspect parasites or even poisoning, then I recommend visiting the vet. [9]
If the digestive tract is not used to anything other than treats and dry food, eating a mouse can irritate the stomach. It can usually be recognized by flatulence, nausea and frequent belching. However, there is usually no reason to worry here.
#5 Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infectious disease caused by the bacterial genus “Leptospira”. People can also be affected by it.
It is usually transmitted through the urine, blood or tissue of infected animals. Rats, mice, pigs and cattle are particularly affected.
If dogs eat an infected mouse or even lick a dead mouse, that can be enough for transmission. Typical symptoms of this are:
Blood and urine are usually examined for diagnosis. The sooner the dog is treated with antibiotics, the lower the potential consequential damage.
Incidentally, there is now already a vaccine against leptospirosis. However, this vaccination does not cover all bacterial cultures and is therefore not 100% safe. [11]
If dogs eat a mouse that was infected with leptospirosis, the infectious disease is usually transmitted. What is typical here is that the dog suddenly gets a fever, refuses food and is extremely thirsty. It is important to take action immediately.
#6 Tapeworms
Tapeworms are one of the most common endoparasites of dogs. This refers to parasites that live primarily inside the four-legged friend.
Interestingly, these worms are primarily transmitted by fleas, which carry the eggs. For example, when your dog grooms its fur.
But eating mice can also be enough for transmission. Depending on the type of tapeworm, they can sometimes grow up to 18 cm long. Typical signs here are:
- weight loss
- Dog tires quickly
- Constant flatulence
- Worms in vomit
- Dog rubs butt on floor
- Worms in the stool
- Lack of motivation [12]
An examination of the stool is usually sufficient for diagnosis. A worm treatment is then carried out as a treatment. It is usually enough to mix a few drops into the food.
Unfortunately, there is no long-term protection against tapeworms. This is exactly why doctors recommend worming every 3 months. [13]
If a mouse is infected with tapeworms and is then eaten by a dog, the worms are usually transmitted. In most cases, it can be recognized by the presence of long white worms in the dog's stool.
Rare episodes
- Rabies: In Germany, rabies has been eradicated since 1990. In addition, infected mice usually die too quickly for it to be transmitted to dogs.
- Blockade: If the mouse gets stuck in the dog's throat, it can cause serious breathing problems.
- Salmonella: Since mice rarely carry this type of bacteria, it is transmitted relatively rarely.
Incidentally, the droppings of mice are considered to be much more harmless than a mouse itself. As a rule, you don't need to worry here. [14]
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