Since rats can transmit disease through blood, if a dog kills a rat, it is possible the contamination can occur through the mouth. However, even simply having the rat in their mouth can pass on bacteria if it is on their fur.
Is it okay if my dog killed a rat?
If a dog eats a rat (or other animal) infected by this organism or drinks water contaminated by infected rodent waste, the dog can become ill as well as passing the disease on to humans. Symptoms in dogs include refusal to eat, fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. If not caught and treated, it can lead to death.
What happens if my dog catches a rat?
Whilst catching a mouse or a rat may be a natural activity for cats and in some cases, dogs, eating rodents can have undesirable consequences on our pets. Dangers include infection from intestinal worms and/or toxoplasmosis as well as the possibility of suffering from secondary rat bait poisoning.
What should I do if my dog bit a rat?
Conclusion. When dealing with a rat bite, it's always better to be safe than sorry and contact your veterinarian immediately. Rat bites will often become infected and there is a risk of your dog contracting serious infectious diseases such as leptospirosis.
Can a dog get a disease from a rat?
Keep your dog on a lead “The fatal bacterial infection is spread by rats and other rodents. Dogs can become infected by direct contact (from a rat bite or from eating a rat) and indirect contact (drinking urine-contaminated water or licking contaminated soil).”
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What should I do if my dog kills a rat?Can a dog get sick from killing a mouse?