Dogs are innately curious. This curiosity, combined with hunger, can get even the best behaved dogs into trouble.
Of all the things that dogs love to eat, meat is at the very top. The smell of meat makes dogs drool, and it gets them excited. Most of the time, eating meat is perfectly fine. But what if it is rotten? Can dogs eat rotten meat?
This question is vital for every dog owner. It would be best if you always tried to keep your dog safe, and by the end of this article, you will learn everything you need to know about dogs eating rotten meat.
Can Dogs Eat Rotten Meat?
Can dogs eat rotten meat? The quick answer is no. Dogs can’t eat rotten meat. It’s not safe for them to do so. Rotten meat can make dogs very sick and sometimes even lead to death.
What Happens if Dogs Eat Rotten Meat?
If your dog ate rotten meat, they could immediately get sick. When meat goes bad, it’s because of bacteria. The bacteria can cause indigestion or disease, and the symptoms can be severe.
Some of the symptoms that your dog may experience if they eat rotten meat include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Lethargy
These are just some of the more common symptoms. If your dog eats rotten meat and begins to experience any of these symptoms, you should take them to the vet immediately.
In some cases, the bacteria can cause more severe problems. It can lead to organ damage or failure and even be fatal. Some of the other diseases that dogs can get from eating spoiled meat are:
- E. Coli
- Botulism
- Salmonella
- Staph infections
- Penitrem-A
All of these diseases are serious and can lead to long-term health conditions. Sometimes, your dog can even pass these diseases on to you if you’re not careful. You want to avoid these consequences at all costs.
Of course, your dog may eat rotten meat and suffer no adverse consequences or symptoms at all. Dogs pick through trash all the time and find all sorts of nasty things to eat. If this happens, be happy that you dodged a bullet. But it’s no reason to allow your dog to eat rotten meat. The considerable risks are always there
Can Dogs Get Food Poisoning?
Now that you know the answer to the question “can dogs eat rotten meat,” you may be wondering whether dogs can get food poisoning. Yes, dogs can get food poisoning from eating rotten meat.
Bacteria causes food poisoning. And, as we mentioned before, rotten meat is full of bacteria.
The symptoms of food poisoning in dogs are similar to the symptoms of indigestion but can be more severe. If your dog has food poisoning, it may experience:
- Dehydration
- Severe vomiting
- Diarrhea with blood in it
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Shock
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian. While most cases will be mild and can resolve within a few days, food poisoning can be fatal.
What To Do After Your Dog Eats Rotten Meat?
So can dogs eat spoiled meat? No, but here’s what to do if they got ahold of some behind your back.
If possible, the first thing to do is to remove the meat and prevent your dog from eating any more of it. If your dog has only eaten a little, monitor your dog and see if they have any symptoms. Your dog can usually eat a small amount of rotten meat without getting sick.
There is a good chance that nothing bad will happen, and your dog will be perfectly fine. Remember, dogs got along just fine before they depended on us to feed them.
If your dog ate a large amount of rotten meat, you should first call your vet. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what to do next.
In the meantime, there are a few things that you can do to help your dog feel better. Try to get them to drink lots of water or a small amount of Pedialyte to prevent dehydration. You can also give them a little white rice to settle their stomachs.
Also, be prepared for your dog to vomit and have diarrhea or loose stool. Bring your dog outside if you can to avoid making a mess.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Rotten Meat?
The best way to prevent your dog from eating rotten meat is to keep an eye on them when they are outside. If you know your dog likes to rummage through the garbage, make sure you take the trash out immediately. You should also train your dog not to grab food off the table or counter.
You can also feed your dog a healthy diet so that they are not as likely to eat something terrible for them. A healthy diet will help keep your dog’s immune system strong and make them less likely to get sick from eating something they shouldn’t.
If you have any meat you won’t eat, make sure to throw it away immediately. Don’t leave it sitting out where your dog can reach it.
It would be best if you also were careful when feeding your dog table scraps. Some foods that are perfectly fine for humans can be dangerous for dogs. Make sure you know which foods are safe for your dog to eat before feeding them anything.
Can Dogs Tell if Meat Is Rotten?
Yes, dogs can usually tell if meat is rotten. They have a keen sense of smell and can smell the bacteria in rotting meat. However, the odor can make the food more appealing to your dog. Just because your dog wants to eat it doesn’t mean it is safe for them.
If you’re ever unsure whether or not meat is safe to eat, don’t take a chance. Throw it away, and don’t feed it to your dog. It’s not worth the risk.
How Long Does Meat Last Before Getting Spoiled?
The amount of time meat stays good depends on how the meat is stored. If meat is stored correctly, it can last for weeks or even months. However, if it is not stored correctly, it can start to spoil in just a few days.
In general, meat that is frozen stays good for months. It will remain good as long as it stays frozen. Refrigerated meat is entirely different. It can spoil in just a few days if it is not stored correctly.
You can do a few things to ensure your dried meat stays good as long as possible. First, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Wrapping your meat will help to keep out oxygen and other bacteria that can cause it to spoil.
You should also cook meat as soon as possible after purchasing it. Bacteria can proliferate on raw meat, so it is best to cook it immediately. If you can’t cook it right away, store it in the freezer until ready to use it.
When in doubt, check the “best by” date on the packaging.
How To Tell if Meat Is Rotten
There are a few ways that you can tell if meat is rotten. The first way is by the smell. If the meat has a pungent odor, then it’s probably rotten.
The second way to tell if meat is rotten is by the color. Fresh meat is usually red or pink. If the meat has turned a slight green or brown, it’s probably spoiled.
The third way to tell if meat is rotten is by the texture. If the meat is slimy or mushy, it’s not safe to eat anymore.
Final Thoughts
Dogs and humans have very similar reactions to eating rotten meat. But unlike humans, dogs aren’t as discerning or rational about their food intake. Keep your dog away from rotten meat, but if they do eat some, monitor them closely for signs of illness and be prepared to get them medical help if necessary.