Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

My Dog Ate a Squirrel: Should I Be Worried? Our Vet Explains

If you have just witnessed your dog eating all or part of a squirrel, your initial reaction could fall anywhere along the spectrum from horror and disgust to, “What’s the harm in that?” Coyotes and wolves probably eat squirrels all the time! While there is some truth to this (so if your dog ate a squirrel you probably don’t need to panic), there are a few things to consider:

  • Although it is rare, squirrels can be infected with rabies
  • A scuffle with a live squirrel might result in your pup being bitten
  • Squirrels commonly carry bacteria and parasites that can make your dog sick
  • Secondary poisoning can occur if the squirrel died from eating a toxic substance like mouse or rat bait
  • If the squirrel is swallowed whole or in large pieces, there may be a risk of gastrointestinal (GI) blockage

We will discuss each of these points in more detail below.

divider dog paws oct 2024

The 7 Potential Concerns of Eating a Squirrel

1. Rabies

One of your first thoughts might be, “What if the squirrel had rabies?” Fortunately, the risk is considered to be very low. A large study reviewed all cases of rabbits and rodents tested for rabies in the United States between 1995 and 2010 and found that, out of 21,977 squirrels submitted, only nine were positive for rabies(0.04%).1

However, the risk is not zero, so if your dog has eaten a squirrel, contacting your veterinarian is a good idea to ensure their rabies vaccination is up-to-date.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


2. Bite Wounds

If there was a skirmish before your dog killed and ate the squirrel, there is a chance that they sustained bite wounds.

We have established that the likelihood of the squirrel having rabies is very low, but puncture wounds can be painful and become infected. Check your pup carefully for wounds and inform your veterinarian of any concerns.


3. Bacterial Diseases

Squirrels commonly carry bacteria that can be transmitted to dogs (and people).

Examples include:
  • Salmonella: May result in food poisoning-like symptoms
  • Leptospirosis: Can lead to kidney or liver failure
  • Tularemia: Usually causes fairly mild disease in dogs but can be life-threatening in people; it is a reportable disease in the United States

An effective vaccine is available to protect dogs from leptospirosis, which your veterinarian may recommend if you live in a high-risk area.


4. Ringworm

Squirrels can have ringworm, which is highly contagious to other animals (including dogs and people). The name is misleading because ringworm is a fungal infection! Signs of this condition in dogs include hair loss and occasionally redness of the skin or scabbing.

It does not tend to be itchy. Some affected dogs may not show any signs at all. If you are concerned that your pup may have ringworm, ask your veterinarian about diagnostic testing and treatment options.

border collie breed old tricolor dog tired or sick at rest attitude
Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock

5. Parasites

Squirrels often carry fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms. If your pup has eaten a squirrel, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to clear out any unwelcome bugs they might have picked up.


6. Secondary Rodenticide Poisoning

If your pup found and ate a squirrel that was already dead, the possibility that it died from rodenticide poisoning (i.e., mouse or rat bait) should be considered. If you use rodenticide on your property and suspect the squirrel may have ingested it, contact your veterinarian immediately!

If your dog ate the squirrel very recently, it might be possible to induce vomiting. It is probably a good idea to run some tests to check for proper blood clotting to be safe.

It is important to note that signs of rodenticide toxicity take at least a few days to appear.

Please do not simply assume your dog is okay because they aren’t showing obvious signs of toxicity right away!


7. Gastrointestinal (GI) Obstruction

If you have a small dog or one that tends to swallow things whole without chewing, they may be at risk for a gastrointestinal (GI) blockage. If this occurs, your veterinarian may need to perform surgery to remove the obstruction.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

How Can I Keep My Dog Safe?

Here are some tips to help protect your pup:
  • Supervise them when they are outdoors
  • Practice commands like “leave it” to prevent them from picking up unsafe objects, and teach them to “trade” items you don’t want them to have for a high-value reward
  • Keep up with important vaccinations like rabies and leptospirosis (if it is a risk in your area), as recommended by your veterinarian
  • Regular deworming is a good idea, especially if your pup tends to eat things they find outside
If you suspect your dog may have eaten a squirrel, it is a good idea to call your veterinarian because:
  • They are familiar with the diseases commonly carried by wildlife in your area
  • They can check if your pup’s vaccinations are up-to-date
  • They will prescribe medication to take care of any parasites your pup might have picked up

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Summing Up

Do not forget to keep yourself safe! If you find a dead squirrel (or part of one) on your property, be sure to handle the body safely. Avoid touching it with your bare hands; wear gloves or use a shovel to pick it up and place it in a plastic bag. Check your local regulations before disposing of the squirrel in your garbage (some municipalities may have other requirements).

See also:

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Gay Men & Dogs: Why They Make Fabulous Friends

June is LGBT Pride Month, and it’s a fine time to celebrate differences. So, are gay dog lovers somehow different from straight ones?...

Why Do Dogs Bark At Fireworks? 6 Reasons & How to Help (Vet Reviewed)

Many dog owners dread certain holidays throughout the year because of the use of fireworks during those times. Independence Day, Labor Day, and...

Are Great Danes Aggressive Dogs? Breed Traits & Determining Factors

While dogs are the most popular pet in America, and many consider them “man’s best friend,” a few breeds are known to have...

My Dog Eats Too Fast: 6 Vet-Reviewed Tips on How to Slow Them Down

Some dogs eat their food very quickly. But how fast is too fast? It might just seem like your dog is hungry or...

More related

Do Dogs Need Their Teeth Brushed? Vet-Verified Care Facts

We all know that toothbrushing is a necessary part of life for humans, as poor oral hygiene can result in cavities, infections, and...

Why Does My Puppy Have Bald Spots? 8 Vet Reviewed Reasons

While it is normal for puppies to shed some hair—particularly as they transition to an adult coat—it is not normal for them to...

8 Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services in Canada of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are many fresh dog food delivery services out there, but it seems that many of the most raved-about services do not provide...

Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

We can share a lot of our food items with our dogs, permitting we know the safety and nutritional quality. After all, our...

Keep reading

Do Dogs Need Vitamin E? Vet-Verified Benefits & Risks

Dogs need vitamin E, as it’s an essential nutrient that provides antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. Free radicals are negatively charged atoms released during your dog’s normal metabolic processes. But when dogs or humans are ill or under...

Vitamin E capsules

Can Dogs Eat Durian? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Safer Alternatives

The durian fruit has gained a lot of attention for its pungent aroma rather than its taste or any health benefits. The fruit comes encased in a prickly shell, and “the king of fruits” has a smell that is described...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Durian

7 Best Foods for Great Dane Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

When it comes to taking care of our dogs, we only want to give them the best. This is especially true for those who own a Great Dane puppy as these large breed dogs are fast growers and require specific...

great dane puppy

Wellness Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo: Pros, Cons & What to Choose

One of the most frustrating moments as a pet parent is when you’re sitting there scratching your head over which food is better for your dog—especially when every brand claims to be the best! Two popular dog food brands vying...

Dogster_Dog Food Wellness VS Blue Buffalo

How to Keep Your Dog From Eating Other Dogs’ Food: 3 Vet-Approved Methods

Feeding time is already frustrating enough without dealing with a food-stealing dog. Luckily, several proven methods improve your dog’s behavior around mealtime. We’ll try to cover a variety of approaches, and hopefully, one of them will be perfect for you...

golden retriever dog stealing food from another dog's bowl

Valu Pak Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Valu Pak is owned and manufactured by Specialty Feeds, a US company that has been making pet food for more than 50 years. It is a reasonably priced food, and while there are some ingredients that might be...

Dogster_Valu Pak Dog Food Review

My Dog Ate Moldy Food: What Should I Do? Vet-Approved Facts & Signs Toxicity

If your dog has eaten moldy food—perhaps you didn’t store the food properly, or your dog ate the moldy food from the garbage—it is a cause for concern. Mold can make your dog sick, which is why you should take...

What Is Meat Meal in Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

There are many misconceptions about meat meal out there. Since meat meal isn’t whole meat, many dog owners assume that it’s a derivative of meat, similar to by-products. However, this isn’t exactly true. Quality meat meal can actually be a...

dog eating