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My dog threw up a mouse or rat. Is it dangerous? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 12 days old

My dog just threw up the back end of a MOUSE OR RAT!! I just saw the little feet and tail!! He had diahorrea this morning but that seems to have gone normal now but he's just had a drink and was sick after and the mouse was in with a few chunks of food. What do I do?! Will it cause any harm???

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 3rd, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ziggy!

Eating a mouse shouldn't be a big deal. Mice are intermediate hosts for some intestinal parasites and if the mouse died from eating rat/mouse poison it could be a problem. Since Ziggy is a big dog I doubt if the mouse died from eating rat poison he would be affected.

As long as the vomiting and diarrhea are self limiting he should be ok.

Hope this helps!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 20th, 2017

    If there is any chance that the mouse was poisoned then I would seek help right away. Otherwise there is probably little other risk. It is possible that it could cause some gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea, but there is nothing you can do to really prevent that. Also- if the mouse had fleas then then he could potentially get tapeworm. If it just now happened then you could take to your veterinarian to have them induce vomiting, but I would probably only do that if you were concerned about the mouse being poisoned. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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