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My puppy ate a dead bird and isn't vaccinated. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 25 days old | 60 lbs

What do you do if your puppy eats a dead bird and she doesnt have her shots?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 26th, 2019

Hello, thank you for your question about Luna.

Generally, the viruses/diseases that dogs are vaccinated for are not commonly transmitted from ingesting dead birds or other animals. However, it is possible that Luna may experience GI upset or a GI infection secondary to this. If Luna develops any vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetance I would recommend having her evaluated by your veterinarian. In the meantime to try and help settle her stomach you could offer her a bland diet such as boiled chicken/hamburger and white rice.

Hope this helps, good luck!

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 25th, 2019
Hello, thank you for your question about Luna.

I would recommend having Luna seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Diarrhea and lethargy can be signs of a serious infection, parvovirus, in young puppies. Additionally puppies can become dehydrated and have low body temperature very rapidly.

Your veterinarian can examine Luna and discuss the need for diagnostics such as systemic bloodwork.

Hope this helps, good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 21st, 2019
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You don’t mention what tests the veterinarians have done. Luna should be checked and treated for parasites if found. She may need to be tested for oarvo as well. Many parasites can cause anemia and death in puppies so I recommend a follow up vet visits with diagnostics to find out exactly what is causing her signs. Good luck I hope she’s better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 27th, 2018
It sounds like Luna is sick at the moment, and it could be caused by a number of different things such as a GI illness, eating something rotten, a foreign body, or pancreatitis. I can give you a home remedy to try to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed 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 the vomiting continues in the absence of food, 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. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Is it safe to vaccinate my dog after she just ate a dead bird?

Sure. There is no reason to avoid vaccination after she’s eaten a dead bird. However, none of the vaccines she receives are for diseases that she could get from birds, if that’s what you’re asking. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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