Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Male | neutered
My dog just killed a rat in our garden, do I need to take him to a vet?
2 Answers
Published on April 28th, 2017
Examine your dog for any sign of injury due to the fight with the rat (if any). If any (which is likely, sometimes even inside the mouth) take him to your veterinarian for an examination. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking/scratching at the wound. If your dog is not vaccinated for Leptospira, take him to your local vet anyway. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Published on
If he didn't ingest the rats and he is fully vaccinated than no, you do not have to take him to the vet. if he did ingest the rat or isn't vaccinated he is in risk of rat poisoning and other possible diseases that the rat carries and needs to be taken to the vet right away.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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