My dog ate a raw sirloin steak. Should I worry? What are the symptoms?

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!

I would keep an eye on Jewl. High amounts of fat can cause issues such as pancreatitis, which is a serious condition, and even in smaller amounts, steak may cause GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea for a few days. If she does vomit, removing her food for a few hours and then offering a bland meal of boiled chicken and rice can help. If she keeps vomiting, seems painful or in distress, has a tender abdomen, or has blood in her vomit or diarrhea, these can indicate more serious complications which should be seen by a vet ASAP.

Monitor for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. Consider withholding food for the next 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. If Dexter develops stomach upset without any other symptoms, you can fast him then offer a bland diet in small, frequent amounts until symptoms resolve. If he becomes lethargic, stops eating or develops abdominal pain then he should be examined by your veterinarian.

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!

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 watch Joshie for anything abnormal, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, panting, etc. It may be no big deal, but if she does develop symptoms she should see a vet for treatment.

As long as he is behaving normally, you can monitor at home. Watch for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or abdominal pain. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.