My dog ate a lot of raw meat. Is it safe or should I call the vet?

Hi there! There are a couple of risks associated with eating a pound of raw beef. Aside from general GI distress, dogs, like humans, can contract foodborne illnesses, such as E.coli. Pancreatitis is also a consideration, as that much meat could potentially be a lot for the gut to handle, especially if it's not lean. I would keep a close eye on Brooke for signs of stomach upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. I also strongly recommend calling your veterinarian in the morning for further advice. If any symptoms develop, you should bring her to the vet right away for treatment. I do not recommend giving her anything over the counter at home without a vet's advice. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, and I sure hope that Brooke does not get sick!

The biggest problem with a bigger piece of something swallowed is that it could remain stuck in the esophagus which can be dangerous. Typically signs of this are excessive swallowing/gagging, drooling, acting restless, decreased appetite, etc. If it was fully swallowed then it may or may not upset his stomach (decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy). If you become concerned that it may not have been fully swallowed or if he is acting off then a visit to your family vet is in order. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

He’ll be fine. Many dogs eat raw meat as part of their diet. Do not induce vomiting. He may have a mild stomach ache or diarrhea but probably no problems. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Yoshi. Poor girl. I'd keep an eye on her for signs of GI upset. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or anorexia, then I would have her seen by a vet. Otherwise, she should be ok. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Zelda may not get sick from the pork. If the meat wasn't rancid or spoiled then she could digest it with out any issue. Raw pork can contain food born pathogens like toxoplasma, but signs of that may not develop for months. There is nothing you can do for that in the short term. If she just ate it you could contact your Vet to discuss inducing vomiting to remove the raw pork. We are unable to provide instructions on inducing vomiting. Otherwise I would just watch her. If she shows signs of vomiting or diarrhea I would fast her for 12-24 hours and feed a bland diet of boiled chicken breast or hamburger and mix with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. I wish you the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m not panicking about Scar and I don’t think you need to rush to the ER. But here’s a couple things to watch for. My main concerns for Scar are gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) and less likely, an infection like campylobacter. Gastroenteritis is marked by a small number of vomiting episodes followed by a few days of diarrhea. Pretty much as soon as the vomiting is done, Scar should be acting like herself (happy, active). She should be eating normally by 12 hours after the vomiting stops. If/when the diarrhea comes, that should be the only sign- no lethargy, loss of appetite, etc. This all usually takes care of itself in 2-4 days. An infection from the raw meat could be a bit more serious. Vomiting or diarrhea may be more profuse, she may not want to eat for an extended period of time, may have a fever or noticable lethargy. If you’re seeing this, it’s time to head to the vet for fluids and medications to help with the nausea and diarrhea. And of course, some dogs surprise me and have no signs at all. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Scar!

I would not induce vomiting. JoJo could have some vomiting and/or diarrhea from the raw meat, and if you do see that, I will give you a bland diet to feed her to help her with that. Make sure she doesn't get any more! Feed her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If she refuses to eat the bland diet, she vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away.