Many dogs love to lick and devour raw chicken found in the trash or on the counter, especially if found by chance. While consuming one or two pieces is unlikely to cause problems for most dogs, an excessive diet based on this food could pose significant health issues.
Raw chicken feed can expose dogs to E. Coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and other infections that cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite in their canines.
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Symptoms
Dogs can be adept at finding suspicious foods. Some will eagerly gulp down bugs they find during walks while others enjoy snacking on rancid food found near trash cans and picnic tables.
Although many dogs can digest raw chicken without experiencing any digestive distress, some may develop intestinal upset when sneaking a bite from the counter or trash can. Therefore, it’s essential that these pets be closely monitored for symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting after indulging in some unknowingly eaten protein-rich meals such as raw chicken.
If your pet exhibits watery or unrelenting diarrhea after eating raw chicken, it is time to bring them in for examination by a veterinarian. Without treatment this could lead to dehydration and other health problems like loss of appetite and lethargy – the vet can administer fluids and medications necessary for their well-being.
Diarrhea
Dogs that consume raw chicken run the risk of becoming seriously ill. Raw meat contains bacteria which may cause Salmonella, E coli or Campylobacter infections in canines.
While some dogs can digest large amounts of raw chicken without experiencing intestinal disturbances, most will suffer at least some. Diarrhea may be the initial sign and is often severe; unrelenting watery diarrhea may even lead to dehydration – an acute emergency situation!
Dogs experiencing serious diarrhea will require treatment from a veterinarian, especially if they’re also vomiting. Treatment options may include fluid therapy and medications to address any underlying bacterial infections. A visit to a veterinary hospital may also be beneficial if your pup experiences changes in voice quality or gait that might indicate Guillain-Barre Syndrome which could prove fatal – an early visit could save lives!
Vomiting
Pet dogs tend to love eating questionable things – from bugs and other insects, to rancid food left behind in trash bags or eating any found on walks, and even eating their own poop! But if they begin vomiting excessively in response to eating raw chicken it should be cause for alarm; vomiting is a natural response of their bodies in response to any foreign substances entering its system and helps rid itself of unwanted elements from its system.
Salmonella and campylobacter infections pose the greatest threat for pregnant dogs, infants, or those with compromised immune systems. These bacteria can spread via kisses and drool to humans and even be transmitted via chewed bones; cooked chicken may be preferable because it avoids potential choking hazards from bones. It is crucial that owners closely monitor their dogs and seek medical advice immediately if symptoms of an infection emerge.
Loss of Appetite
Though most dogs who consume raw chicken won’t become seriously ill from it, eating raw poultry still poses some risks for them. Some may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while ingestion of bones can result in serious medical emergencies for veterinarians.
Idealy, dogs should not eat raw meat as part of their diet (although many owners do). If your pup accidentally consumes raw chicken by mistake, be wary for signs of illness and cook thoroughly to reduce bacterial contamination risk. Environmental changes that stress out your pet, such as moving, having houseguests stay for extended periods, loud noises (such as fireworks or gunshots) or changes to their diet could also contribute to them losing appetite and becoming disinterested with eating.
Fever
Dogs have long been known to consume all sorts of strange items, from bugs and rancid food, to pieces of human poop they find on walks. While occasionally eating something questionable may not harm them, doing it on a regular basis could pose serious health concerns for both you and your pup.
Salmonella and campylobacter, two bacteria commonly associated with raw poultry, can cause both dogs and people to experience digestive upset. Salmonella infection also poses the threat of polyradiculoneuritis – similar to Guillain Barre Syndrome for humans – leading to rare conditions like polyradiculoneuritis.
If your dog consumes raw chicken – whether from the counter or trash can – and exhibits these symptoms, contact a vet as soon as possible. They know your pet best and can advise the best course of action.
