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My puppy chewed a dead rat. Is it dangerous? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 4 months and 26 days old | 19 lbs

My puppy 5 month old just killed and is chewing 2 dead rats i need help what do i do

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 13th, 2017

You are correct there is a concern with Heha killing and chewing on dead rats because rats are vectors for leptospirosis and other diseases. I would take the rats away from her immediately, she should not be allowed to ingest any of the rat. I would take her into a vet right away for blood tests. She should get two blood tests two to four weeks apart to check if antibodies are being produced in response to infection from leptospirosis. This is called the rising antibody test. The vet may want to start Heha on medications as a precaution to prevent any infections from occurring.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Since rats are disease carriers, I would take them away from her and not let her eat them. Otherwise there is nothing else to do other than watch for lethargy over the next week. or illness, not eating or drinking and if this occurs, take her to a vet and let the vet know about the rats.

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