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My puppy ate a dead mouse or mole. What should I do immediately?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 7 week old puppy just ate a dead mouse or mole. What should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 29th, 2015

Make sure the ingested animal did not die from rodenticide. If so, it is possible your puppy will suffer secondary exposure and may require veterinary attention. If not, monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or lethargy. See your vet if you notice any of these signs.

29Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 12th, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My main concern with this is that may result in gastrointestinal obstruction. I would monitor him closely for signs of an obstruction such as vomiting, anorexia and/or abdominal pain. If these are seen, I recommend you have her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine if she is obstructed. If that was the case, surgery may be needed. Otherwise, she is likely going to be fine if she is able to pass it. Best of luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 10th, 2017
It is possible for a pet to suffer 'secondary poisoning' if it ingests a rodent that ate rodenticide. It is important to know what type of rodenticide was used/ingested. Some are more toxic than others.
If your pup the a dead mouse, have her seen by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. Either clinic can induce vomiting via injection to get the carcass out. This should be done as soon as possible. Bloodwork may be necessary to monitor bleeding times and other values to make sure she did not absorb the rodenticide.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 3rd, 2018
If the mouse was health, then your puppy had a snack. I would not worry about it. Mice are not poisonous. However if the mouse appeared lethargic and sick then it could have been a mouse poisoned with rodenticide, and you should watch your dog for a few days for signs of lethargy, weakness, pale gums, blood in his urine, or any other signs of illness. If anything like these signs occur please take him to your veterinarian for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog ate a dead mouse or rat. Is he at risk of poisoning or injury?

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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