PupkeeperCaution
Dead animals and carcasses: what to do for your dog
Caution. Eating a dead animal can cause botulism, a paralyzing illness, and the animal may have been poisoned by rat bait or toxic algae.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Dead animals and carcasses and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Call your vet or a poison line
- What it can do
- Weakness that starts in the back legs and spreads forward, trouble swallowing, drooling, constipation and red, sore eyes.
- How fast
- Botulism: usually 12-72 hours, sometimes up to six days
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Pet Poison Helpline, CDC. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Call even if your dog seems fine; botulism antitoxin can help only before paralysis starts.
- Remove any remains so your dog can't eat more.
- Tell the vet if rat poison or an algae bloom could be involved.
Symptoms to watch for
- Weakness that starts in the back legs and spreads forward
- Trouble swallowing
- Drooling
- Constipation
- Red, sore eyes
When signs appear: Botulism: usually 12-72 hours, sometimes up to six days
Why
Bacteria in rotting meat can make botulinum toxin. Animals killed by rat poison can pass the poison on, and dead fish at algae blooms may carry toxins.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Botulism in Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline: Toxic Yard Items for Pets
- CDC: Preventing Pet Illnesses Caused by Harmful Algal Blooms
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.