Inspect Your Yard for Dead Animals
Finding a dead bird or rodent in your yard can become an exciting moment for your cat or dog…especially if their predatory instincts are intact (not all pets are into hunting). You may think, “These animals were designed to live off the land and hunt, so what does it matter?”
Be aware that rodents and birds often die because of poison they get from your neighbors or from the work of exterminators. If your pet eats a dead animal that suffered from poisoning…that poison can go right into its system.
Spring is the season when eggs are hatching, rodents are breeding, and critters are being eliminated with toxic chemicals. They rarely die in the same place they get the poison. They may end up in your yard for their final breaths.
Here are some tips for inspecting your grounds:
- Check under any elevated decking or foundation. This will probably require a strong flashlight and willingness to get down on the ground, but it’s worth it.
- Look around any sheds or storage containers you have in your yard. Critters often try to find a tight place when they are sick and will die in dark, cozy places.
- Inspect any leafy or grassy areas for dead or decaying birds. Sometimes birds will simply fall out of a tree when they die…exactly what the leaves do. They are instantly camouflaged, but your curious cat or dog will definitely find them.
- Don’t offer them to your pet as a treat. Even if they don’t get sick, it can cause them to crave eating an animal and start a trend you didn’t desire.
One final word here: Cats are our best friends when it comes to rodent control. Talk to your neighbors and ask them to let you know if or when they put out poison for rats or mice. This will help you be extra aware if your cat begins to exhibit signs of sickness.
In all cases, if your pet consumes a dead animal, be ready for a trip to the vet. You want to protect them and seek treatment as soon as possible.