Tularemia (also known as Rabbit Fever) is a bacterial disease that is typically mild in healthy dogs but can be deadly for pets that are immune-compromised. Today our Mooresville vets share a few facts about tularemia and how your dog could contract this relatively rare disease.
As a dog owner, I’ve had my fair share of “oh no” moments when my furry friend decides to munch on something questionable One of the most common (and gross) habits some dogs develop is eating rabbit poop they find in the yard or on walks. If you’ve caught your pup snacking on these little pellets, you’re probably wondering if this disgusting habit could make them sick
The short answer? While eating rabbit droppings isn’t usually toxic to dogs, it does carry some health risks that pet parents should be aware of In most cases, significant illness from eating rabbit poop is very rare, but that doesn’t mean we should encourage the behavior
Why Do Dogs Eat Rabbit Poop?
Before we dive into the potential health concerns let’s understand why our canine companions find these little brown pellets so appealing
- Coprophagia: This scientific term describes the habit of eating feces. Some dogs naturally engage in this behavior.
- Nutritional content: Rabbit poop contains partially digested plant matter and nutrients that might smell appealing to dogs.
- Instinctual behavior: Dogs’ wild ancestors were scavengers, and this behavior might be a leftover instinct.
- Boredom or curiosity: Sometimes dogs simply eat strange things when they’re bored or curious.
- Taste preference: As disgusting as it sounds to us, some dogs genuinely enjoy the taste!
My dog Charlie once developed a concerning habit of hunting for rabbit droppings whenever we visited the local park. Despite having a balanced diet at home, he seemed to consider these little pellets a special treat. This behavior is more common than many pet owners realize.
Potential Health Risks: Should You Be Concerned?
While significant illness from eating rabbit poop is very rare (as of March 17, 2025), there are still some health risks pet owners should be aware of:
1. Parasites
Rabbits can carry various intestinal parasites that could potentially infect your dog:
- Coccidia: These microscopic parasites can cause diarrhea and digestive upset.
- Giardia: Another parasitic infection that can lead to diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues.
- Worms: Though less common, some worm species can be transmitted through rabbit feces.
2. Bacteria
Rabbit droppings may contain harmful bacteria such as:
- E. coli: Can cause digestive upset and more serious issues in some cases.
- Salmonella: Though less common in rabbits than in other animals, it’s still a potential concern.
3. Other Concerns
- Digestive upset: Even without parasites or bacteria, the unfamiliar material can sometimes cause temporary digestive issues.
- Medication residue: If wild rabbits have been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals, traces might be present in their droppings.
Different Types of Rabbit Droppings
Interestingly, rabbits produce two different types of droppings:
- Regular droppings: The dry, round pellets most people recognize as rabbit poop.
- Cecotropes: Softer, nutrient-rich droppings that rabbits typically eat directly from their body (but sometimes drop). These are sometimes called “night feces.”
Dogs seem particularly attracted to cecotropes due to their higher nutrient content, but both types carry similar risks.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog has eaten rabbit poop, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Diarrhea: The most common symptom
- Vomiting: Especially if persistent
- Lethargy: Unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite: Refusing to eat
- Dehydration: Watch for dry gums or sunken eyes
- Abdominal discomfort: Whining, restlessness, or sensitivity when touched around the belly
In most cases, if symptoms do appear, they’re usually mild and resolve on their own within 24-48 hours. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s time to call your vet.
Prevention: Keeping Your Dog Safe
The best way to protect your dog is to prevent them from eating rabbit poop in the first place:
- Supervision: Keep a close eye on your dog during walks or yard time.
- Training: Teach a reliable “leave it” command. This skill has saved me countless times with Charlie!
- Environmental management: Regularly check and clean your yard of rabbit droppings.
- Leash control: Keep your dog leashed in areas with heavy rabbit populations.
- Address boredom: Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation to reduce scavenging behaviors.
I’ve found that consistent training works wonders. After several weeks of practicing “leave it” with Charlie, he now looks at me for approval before investigating suspicious items on the ground. It’s not 100% effective, but it’s definitely improved our walks!
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Rabbit Poop
If you catch your dog in the act:
- Don’t panic: Remember, significant illness is very rare.
- Remove access: Get your dog away from the area with rabbit droppings.
- Monitor closely: Watch for any signs of illness over the next 24-48 hours.
- Provide water: Make sure fresh water is always available.
- Call your vet if needed: If symptoms develop or you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian.
When To Seek Veterinary Care
While most cases resolve without intervention, you should contact your vet if:
- Symptoms last longer than 48 hours
- Your dog seems unusually uncomfortable or in pain
- Diarrhea contains blood
- Vomiting is severe or persistent
- Your dog has a pre-existing health condition
- Your dog appears dehydrated
Treatment Options
If your dog does become ill after eating rabbit poop, treatment will depend on the specific issue:
- Parasitic infections: Your vet may prescribe antiparasitic medications after confirming the presence of parasites through fecal testing.
- Bacterial infections: Antibiotics might be necessary in some cases.
- Supportive care: For mild cases, your vet might recommend a bland diet and probiotics.
- Fluid therapy: In cases of dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rabbit poop toxic to dogs?
No, rabbit poop itself isn’t toxic to dogs in the same way that chocolate or certain plants are. However, it can potentially transmit parasites or bacteria that could cause illness.
How much rabbit poop would make a dog sick?
There’s no specific amount that’s considered dangerous. Even a small amount could potentially cause issues if it contains harmful organisms, while larger amounts might pass through without problem. It largely depends on what’s in the poop and your dog’s individual health and immune system.
Can puppies get sick from eating rabbit poop?
Puppies are generally more vulnerable to parasites and infections due to their developing immune systems. They’re more likely to experience symptoms if they eat rabbit droppings, so extra vigilance is recommended with young dogs.
Will my dog always get sick if they eat rabbit poop?
No, most dogs don’t get sick from occasional rabbit poop consumption. As of March 2025, veterinarians confirm that significant illness from eating rabbit poop is very rare, especially in healthy adult dogs.
Can my dog get worms from eating rabbit poop?
While possible, this isn’t as common as many pet owners fear. Regular deworming as recommended by your vet is usually sufficient protection.
How long after eating rabbit poop would my dog show symptoms?
If symptoms do develop, they typically appear within 24-72 hours after ingestion, with digestive upset being the most common indication.
My Personal Experience
When Charlie first started eating rabbit droppings at the park, I was pretty freaked out. I immediately called our vet in a panic, only to be reassured that while it wasn’t ideal behavior, it probably wouldn’t cause serious harm.
She recommended monitoring him for symptoms and working on training him to avoid the behavior. We did have one episode of mild diarrhea after a particularly enthusiastic “rabbit poop hunt,” but it resolved within a day with no treatment needed.
The most effective solution for us was consistent training and being more vigilant during our walks. I also started carrying high-value treats to distract him when we encountered areas with lots of rabbit activity.
The Bottom Line
While eating rabbit poop isn’t usually dangerous for dogs, it’s still a habit worth discouraging. The risk of parasites and bacteria is real, even if serious illness is rare. With proper training, supervision, and environmental management, you can help your furry friend avoid this unsavory snack and the potential health issues that might come with it.
Remember, if you’re ever concerned about your dog’s health after they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They can provide guidance specific to your pet’s situation and help ease your worries.
Have you dealt with a rabbit-poop-eating dog? What strategies worked for you? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
How Dogs Can Catch Tularemia
Although it is unusual for dogs to get tularemia, the disease can be transmitted to dogs in a number of ways including:
- Ingesting an infected animal such as a rabbit, hare, or rodent;
- Consuming contaminated water or food;
- Being bitten by an infected insect such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes;
- Skin to skin contact;
- Inhalation of aerosolized bacteria.
Vets typically see higher rates of tularemia infections in the summer months when tick and deer fly populations are on the upsurge, and during winter rabbit hunting season when dogs have an increased risk of coming in contact with infected wildlife.
Tularemia – Rabbit Fever
Tularemia, also known as Rabbit Fever is a bacterial disease that occurs most often in rabbits, hares and rodents but can affect people as well as wild and domestic animals including dogs. The disease is caused by toxins in the blood which are produced by a bacteria called Francisella tularensis. The bacteria survive in the animals body by creating tumor-like masses in the animals liver.
This bacteria has been reported across the United States (all states except Hawaii), Canada, and Mexico.