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My dog ate a dead bird. Is it dangerous? What symptoms to watch for?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate a dead bird. Should I be worried??

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 25th, 2016

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for dogs to eat dead animals found in the yard or on walks. Thankfully, in most cases the worst that may occur is some stomach upset (vomiting or diarrhea). Monitor for GI upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea), lethargy, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. If your dog is behaving normally otherwise, you can manage minor GI upset at home by first withholding food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte during this fasting period. Resume feeding a bland diet ( boiled boneless / skinless chicken and plain cooked white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Begin with 1 tablespoon of food every hour and gradually increase the amount if there is no vomiting. Continue feeding bland until there is no vomiting for 48 hours and/or the stool is normal then transition slowly to the regular diet. If the vomiting or diarrhea don't stop or if you see other symptoms (lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, etc.), see your veterinarian.

118Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Usually dogs are a lot more resilient than people when eating something dead. There is a possiblility that your dog may get a stomach (gastrointestinal) upset, which will manifest itself in a bout of vomiting, maybe even diarrhea, but that should go away by itself in a day or two. If your dog does have vomiting and diarrhea for longer than that, you should take away his food for about 12 hrs, then feed a bland diet ( e.g. boiled rice with a little bit of chicken and broth), small portions in about 4 daily feeds and then this episode should be over. If not you need to take your dog to a vet.
102Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 1st, 2020
Covid-19 is not an issue in this case, it is a different type of virus. I would just monitor him for the moment and if you notice any sign of abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea (or lack of defecation), inappetence a check up would be needed.
Feed him with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 30th, 2018
A dead bird could cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea and I suppose there’s a chance that the bones could cause an obstruction. There are some parasites like coccidia that could be transmitted, but honestly I feel like most dogs are fine after ingesting carcasses. I would recommend monitoring him for vomiting and diarrhea and contacting your veterinarian if noted.
22Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 8th, 2020
Hopefully the bird didn't carry any kind of infectious disease. All you can really do at this point is monitor Roy for any signs of trouble, which includes: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or lethargy. If you do see any symptoms, then its best to have your vet examine him soon to get him checked over and tested for infectious disease or parasites and treated accordingly.

If he does have any stomach upset issues, the you can certainly start him with a bland diet of boiled plain chicken or lean ground turkey or white rice to help settle his stomach somewhat until he can get seen by your vet. However, not all wildlife is going to cause issues with pets, so hopefully things go well for Roy in the next few days. : )
Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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