Dog killed a rat... should I be concerned?

chapus • 28 June 2014 at 3:01 PM

- Problem fixed -

okami • 28 June 2014 at 4:28 PM

@chapus2009

I don't understand why you come on a site like this looking for advice when you can either go on Google, or get your dog to a vet. The last option probably being the smartest thing to do.

So, I did what you should've done and looked on Google. Most people say that you should get your dog to a vet, because it's better to be safe than sorry. If it's just scratches, its better than being bitten... but it sounds like you don't even know if that happened.

If the blood got into your dogs mouth and she swallowed any of it, which it sounds like, then there's a high chance that she can get a disease that said rat was carrying. Possibly rabies. So yeah. Instead of spending your time typing on the computer, get your dog to a vet.

I'm sorry for sounding rude, but seriously, being a huge animal lover, I can't stand un-responsible pet owners. It makes me so angry. And don't say it wasn't irresponsible, because for a dog in a wheelchair to be able to catch a rat and KILL it... really? Nobody stopped her? Nobody was watching the dog when there are rats in your house? And she's unvaccinated, just great. Money shouldn't be a matter in that, if you can't get her vaccinated, then you shouldn't even have her. This is one of the most irresponsible stories I've ever heard, and I work at an animal shelter. What's worst is that you think it's the best idea to come on egg cave, of all places, and act clueless about this. As if it wasn't a big deal to you. If something happens to this poor dog, who I feel very sorry for, it is all your guys' fault considering you decided to postpone vaccinating her. Have some common sense, please. Should you be concerned? Yeah. You should. Get your dog checked by a vet!

chapus • 28 June 2014 at 5:23 PM

@bluewolf First off, she doesn't wear her wheelchair inside. Second, do you know how hard it is to get a rat out of the house without killing it when it's knocking all the stuff from the counter on the ground? And it's even harder to get a rat out of a dog's mouth, especially when it's still alive. You must know that many dogs are inborn hunters, and our dog is a dachshund, which were used to hunt badgers and rats. And every time we go to the vet, we finish by spending over 200$ to be told 'oh she'll be fine'. And not to mention that spending over 800$ in one month for a dog is quite hefty on us.

But I suppose you're right about it being wrong getting help here. I searched on the web and they pretty much all said what you said.

Topic may be closed.

okami • 28 June 2014 at 11:13 PM

@chapus2009

Just defending my points here, then I will be gone. First off, the fact that she needs a wheelchair means she would naturally be slower than most dogs. Someone should've been holding the dog with a live rat in the house, actually taking responsibility of it. She shouldn't have even been on the floor. All dogs have some inborn hunting instinct, but she shouldn't have even had the opportunity to have it take action.

And yeah, that's the cost of having a dog, or any pet for that matter...especially one with a disability. I applaud you for taking on the hardships of owning a disabled dog, I know it's not easy, but if you can't afford it, you really should not have her. You want what's best for the animal, after all. I'm just angry that you act like it's no big deal that she isn't vaccinated. That is the number one thing any pet owner should take into account, after getting the animal fixed that is... if you can't afford it, you should get an easier pet to manage.

I'm sorry for being mean, but this stuff always effects me deeply. I just want people to learn better, to learn from their mistakes because I care so much about all animals. I see dozens and dozens of pets die from ignorant mistakes like this every month... I've seen pets die because they didn't get their shots, because the owners thought "it was no big deal". Then they want me to pity them. Hah. I pity the poor animals that suffered under their care. I'm not saying you're exactly like these people I see while I'm at my local animal shelter. You seem to care about your pet, and I'm sure you have many aspects of being great owners, but this one example is just irresponsible. I see stuff like this too often, too many pets die from mistakes like this. I rest my case though. I sincerely hope your dog is well in the future.

chapus • 29 June 2014 at 12:47 AM

@bluewolf Hm, you do have a point there. But sadly, me and my mom already had our hands full getting the rat out, not to mention that trying to hold the dog would result in her struggling to get down.

We never expected our dog to be become paralysed, especially at such a young age (she's almost 5) but we decided to try and keep her, but we were actually very close to putting her down, but we didn't want to abandon like that. Obviously if we saw that she was always miserable and in constant pain, we would prefer to put her down, even if it would be painful for us. But I do realise that not having get her vaccins was, and is, a very serious problem. Oh, and not to forget, she also got an allergic reaction to a vaccin a few years ago, which got us some more money out of our pockets. I'm not saying that we're poor or not willing to pay for our dog, it's just that between paying unexpected and pretty expensive medical depenses and paying for school, there are priorities.

I really do understand your worry, if I was in your position, my reaction would probably be the same. And it much be very harsh to see pets go away from a simple mistake... but a mistake is a mistake, and sadly we can't go back to the past, and we must learn from these mistakes as well... but I understand that a pet doesn't need to die in order for somebody to realize their error.

But in all honesty, even if I was shocked and a bit angry with your comments due to being a bit harsh for me, I think it was necessary. You were right, I was being a bit blind and ignorant towards a grave situation... and sometimes a good slap in the face is what we need to wake up. 😊 So thank you.