Dogs ate wild rabbit.?

Question

okay...This just happened. A rabbit came into our yard, my 2 mini daschunds chased it, the rabbit got caught in the fence. My two dogs skinned it and started eating it. Maybe the worst sight I have ever seen. I was so disgusted, I put the dogs in their kennel, and my neighbor had to pick up the remains. I would think my dogs are going to be really sick. I also have 3 children, is there going to be adverse behavior from the dogs? I read the only concern I should have is if the rabbit had tape worm.

Answer 1

Aw, you should be proud of your mighty hunters. They're living every dog's dream, at least for a few hours.
Yes, tapeworms are a real possibility, depending on your location. Tapeworm larvae form cysts in herbivore meat and infect carnivores like dogs when the herbivore gets eaten. Call your vet and ask if tapeworms are a problem where you live, and tell them what happened. There might also be other parasites to be concerned about.
Your children could get tapeworm cysts from playing with the dogs' poop, if the dogs become infected. The lifecycle goes from an adult in a carnivore's intestine, to eggs in droppings, to larvae infecting an herbivore and encysting somewhere in its flesh, to adult in a carnivore's intestine. Larval cysts are dormant, and shouldn't cause any problems unless they end up in a sensitive location, but you'll probably want to worm the dogs just in case.
As for behavior, unless the dogs have been stalking and trying to eat your kids before now, they're not going to. They might bring them chunks of rabbit for lunch. Unlike cats, dogs have an excellent sense of who is family and who is food.

Answer 2

Eating the meat may cause a bit of diarreha or vomiting, but should be diegested, since the wild ansesters of the dog ate rabbit as a part of their diet. The only concern is worms. I would get a good de-wormer from the vet, make sure it covers all types of worms. The rabbit had tape worms right? it may have had other types of worms too. Good luck and make sure to praies your dogs and not scold them, since they where only acting out their natural instintcs.

Answer 3

As the owner of 5 mini dachshunds I will tell you straight out. Your dogs are not going to be sick. I would not waste my time or energy on going to the vet.

Dachshunds are German hounds breed to hunt rabbits and weasels. This is a totally normal behavior for them. You may be mad or upset with them for killing a rabbit, but you need to understand that it is natural for them.

I suggest you do some research on the breed of dog you own. There are many dachshund clubs and websites with excellent info for you. I would suggest the AKC to start.

If your dogs have had their vaccinations they will be just fine. If it truly worries you greatly..by all means..take those babies to the vet.

Answer 4

This is fairly normal for a hunting dog like a daschunds which as I remember basically means “badger dog". They were bred to hunt small game like rabbits, and badgers. It's just their nature. It's not something you should encourage as they could get diseases eating random wild animals. Raw meat isn't harmful to dogs, but they may get sick with large amount if they aren't use to it.

PS-Your dogs are current with all of their shots? If not there I'd take them to the vet and get them.

Answer 5

I think it has to do with the breed because they are gofer killers its in there blood. I have a 1/2 daschund 1/2 chauhaua and she chases rabbits all the time i have to yell at her. just the other day her and my other dog killed a mouse and just left it. So i think nthey will be just fine.

Answer 6

Regarding concern for your dogs health, I highly recommend that you call your vet. In reference to adverse behavior from the dogs; it is a good thing to keep a watchful eye on the dogs, especially while interacting and/or around your children. However, it is very common for dogs to hunt, kill and eat prey. Every dog is born with a hunters gene. Some dogs demonstrate this instinctive behavior more than others. It is perfectly normal behavior for dogs. While we don't like to think of our dogs as hunters, it is instinctive within them. As I mentioned above, in order to ease your concern of agressive behavior, especially toward your children, watch the dogs while around your children. The dogs don't understand that they have done anything wrong, so it's a good idea to let them out of kennels.

Answer 7

Oh my! Poor rabbit!!! I am pretty sure you are still stunned. My cats kill other small animals all the time, so I know how horrified you are. With that being said, my cats have never gotten sick from their killings, but I would definitely call your vet to get professional advice. I don't want to tell you they will be alright based on my pets experience so it is better to be safe than sorry.

R.I.P. little rabbit.

Answer 8

I wouldnt worry about it. Most dogs having hunting instincts. Plenty have eaten rabbits before. just be glad it wsnt some ones doestic rabbit. LOL. just keep an eye there poo and see if there is naything in it. I am sure the rabbit was okay and so will your dogs be.

Answer 9

Dogs do this kind of thing all the time. They probably weren't even trying to eat it, most often they arejust so proud of their capture that they will play around with the carcass for a while. they should be fine, but if you notice any change in their behavior, don't hesitate to see a vet about it.

Answer 10

Thats what dogs do. They have probably killed smaller rodents when you weren't around to see quite a few times. It will most likely not affect them in any way, but its good of you to think of your children. my guess is that they will be exactly the same. Cats kill birds and rats, but you don't see them getting sick, or attacking the children...