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My dog ate a baby bird, now vomiting, lethargic, diarrhea. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Female | spayed | 1 year and 4 months old

My dog ate a baby bird. 2 days later and she's been vomiting, lethargic, and has diarrhea. Her temp is 99.5. What should I do? Can I wait it out?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 31st, 2016

It sounds like Nola has gotten ill from eating the baby bird. It could be that baby bird has gotten stuck in her GI tract, or she has picked up a bacterial infection from the baby bird. She doesn't have a fever (normal temperature for a dog is 101.5-102,5), but she does sound quite ill. Given the fact she has been vomiting, having diarrhea, and has been lethargic for two days, I would not wait it out. It sounds like to me from your description that she needs to see a vet immediately. She might need a shot to stop her from vomiting, IV fluids if she is dehydrated, and x-rays to see if the bird has gotten stuck in her GI tract. If it's a bacterial infection, she would benefit from antibiotics. I recommend taking her into your vet now.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would not wait any longer and have Nola checked. An abdominal radiograph would be needed to have a more precise idea on where the bird is at the moment (which part of the gastrointestinal tract) and if an obstruction is possible. Mineral oil and a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice would be beneficial.

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