What do you do when your dog eats a bird egg? This is a question that many pet owners find themselves asking, and the answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we will discuss what happens when a dog eats a bird egg, and what you can do to help mitigate the situation.
What Happens if a Dog Eats a Bird Egg?
If your dog eats a bird egg, there usually isn’t a need for alarm. While it isn’t the most common thing for dogs to do, it isn’t unheard of either.
Especially if your pup lives in a rural environment where there are plenty of birds and their nests around, it’s not at all uncommon for a dog to get curious and decide to sample an egg or two if they have fallen to the ground.
But it’s always a good idea to be aware of what can happen if your dog does eat a bird egg, as there are a few potential risks and signs of a larger problem.
So here are a few things to keep in mind if your dog has eaten a bird egg:
1. It Could Cause an Obstruction
The first thing to note is that, depending on the size of the egg, it could potentially cause an obstruction in your dog’s digestive system.
If the egg is particularly large or your dog has eaten multiple eggs, then it’s possible that it could get stuck in their throat or further down in their intestines.
If the egg is stuck in the throat, you’ll be able to tell by your dog’s coughing or gagging. If it’s further down, they may start vomiting, have diarrhea, or show signs of pain in their abdomen.
2. Your Dog May Catch Food Poisoning
Since bird eggs are raw and any egg found on the ground may have sat there for a while, there is also a risk of food poisoning. This is usually caused by Salmonella or other bacteria that may be present on the eggshell.
This could range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of bacteria present and how much of the egg your dog ate.
3. Your Dog May Vomit
Vomiting is a common side effect of eating a bird egg. This is usually caused by an irritation in the digestive system from the egg itself or any bacteria that might be present on it.
Your dog may vomit once or have continuous vomiting depending on how severe the irritation is.
4. Constipation or Diarrhea
Another common side effect of eating a bird egg is either constipation or diarrhea. This is usually caused by an intolerance to the egg, which can cause digestive upset.
5. Lethargy or Weakness
If your dog is feeling lethargic or weak after eating a bird egg, it could be a sign of food poisoning. This is usually caused by bacteria present on the egg, which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
6. A Loss of Appetite
If your dog has no interest in food or water after eating a bird egg, it could be full from its meal, or a sign of a larger issue such as constipation, food poisoning, or part of the egg has lodged itself and is causing an obstruction.
What to Do if My Dog Eats a Bird Egg?
If your dog eats a bird egg, here are a few things you can do:
1. Keep a Close Eye on Them
The first thing you should do is keep a close eye on your dog and monitor them for any signs of distress. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, gagging, or pain in the abdomen.
2. Provide Your Dog With Plenty of Water
It’s important to make sure your dog stays hydrated, so provide them with plenty of fresh water to drink. You can also give them ice cubes to lick or boiled chicken broth (without the salt) to help keep them hydrated and encourage them to drink.
3. Keep an Eye on Its Stool
If you’re able to, take a look at your dog’s #2 the next time they go to the bathroom. You can keep an eye for a change of color, consistency, or size of the stool.
If your dog is straining to go to the bathroom or has a bloody stool, this could be a sign of obstruction and you should seek professional help immediately.
If everything seems normal when your pup does its business, then it’s likely that your dog will be able to pass the egg without any issues.
4. Call the Vet
If your dog is showing any signs of distress or you’re concerned about their health, it’s always a good idea to call the vet. They will be able to help you determine if your dog needs to be seen and mitigate any serious situation.
5. Try to Prevent It From Happening Again
Once your dog has eaten a bird egg and it was on your property, try to keep a closer eye on them and prevent them from getting to any more eggs. This might mean putting up a fence or blocking off an area where you know there are bird nests or joining them for potty breaks and play sessions outside.
You can also lure them with treats whenever they start to sniff around an area where there might be bird eggs.
Are Bird Eggs Poisonous to Dogs?
In general, bird eggs aren’t poisonous or inherently harmful to dogs. The biggest issue with bird eggs is the risk of food poisoning from bacteria that might be present on or in the eggshell. Another risk is that your dog won’t properly chew and digest the egg, which can cause an obstruction.
If you’re concerned that your dog has eaten a bird egg and is showing any signs of distress, it’s always best to call your vet for guidance.
Where Is My Dog Finding Bird Eggs?
If you have no idea how your dog is getting their paws on bird eggs, there are a few places they might be finding them:
- Nests: The most likely place your dog is getting bird eggs is from nests. If you have trees or bushes in your yard, there’s a chance that birds have made nests there and your dog has found them.
- Neighbor’s Yards: If you live close to your neighbors, it’s possible that your dog is getting into their yard and finding bird eggs there. This is more likely if your neighbor has a lot of trees or bushes in their yard.
- Parks or Wooded Areas: If you take your dog for walks in parks or on hikes, they might be finding bird eggs in these areas.
It’s important to keep an eye on your dog while you’re in these places so that they’re not able to get to any eggs.