What to do if your dog swallows a bird?

Try to get your dog to spit it out

If you see your dog swallow a bird whole, the first thing you’ll want to do is try to get them to spit it out before they can swallow it. Say “drop it” or “leave it” in a firm tone and see if you can get them to release the bird from their mouth. You may be able to gently pry open their mouth to get the bird out if they haven’t swallowed it yet. But be very careful, as you don’t want to get bitten.

Check if the bird is still alive

If your dog already swallowed the bird, the next thing to check is whether the bird is still alive and moving around in your dog’s mouth or throat. Look for any signs of the bird’s movement like bulges or motions in their neck and throat area. You may be able to gently feel from the outside of their neck area too. If the bird is still alive, you have a better chance of getting it out.

Get your dog to a vet immediately

Whether the bird is still alive or not, get your dog to a vet clinic as soon as possible. Your vet can do an examination to locate exactly where the bird is and if it’s blocking your dog’s airway or esophagus. They can also induce vomiting or purge the bird out before it gets further into the digestive tract. Speed is important, so call ahead and drive to the vet right away.

Signs of trouble

Watch for these signs of trouble that indicate the bird is stuck or causing issues:

• Choking or gagging
• Pawing at the mouth
• Drooling
• Whining
• Panting
• Acting anxious
• Breathing issues
• Not wanting to eat or drink

If you see any of these, get to the vet immediately as the bird could be blocking the airway.

First aid options

While on the way to the vet, you can try some first aid options to help dislodge the bird if it’s stuck:

• Perform the Heimlich maneuver by applying quick upward abdominal thrusts
• Check their mouth and throat and remove the bird if you can reach it
• Offer treats or peanut butter to encourage swallowing motions
• Massage the throat to help work the bird down
• Have them drink water or swallow vegetable oil to help lubricate the esophagus

Avoid having them vomit on their own as this could further lodge the bird. Wait until you are at the vet, where they can induce vomiting in a controlled manner after examining your dog.

Veterinary treatment options

At the vet clinic, the vet will examine your dog and determine the best course of treatment. Here are some of the options they may use:

Inducing vomiting

If the bird was very recently swallowed, the vet may induce vomiting to bring it back up before it gets beyond the stomach. They will administer something like hydrogen peroxide to trigger vomiting. This is the least invasive option, but it must be done soon after swallowing before the bird moves further down.

Endoscopy

The vet may use an endoscope, which is a long camera tube, to try to locate and grab the bird. This allows them to look into the throat and esophagus for the bird and potentially remove it without surgery. However, the bird has to be in the right position for this to work.

Imaging

X-rays or ultrasound can also be used to find the location of the bird and determine if surgery is needed. These imaging techniques let the vet see if there is any obstruction or damage caused by the bird.

Surgery

If the bird is trapped in the esophagus, obstructing the intestines, or too far into the digestive tract to come up with vomiting, surgery may be required. The vet will make an incision into the abdomen or throat to locate the bird and remove it that way to resolve the blockage or obstruction.

IV fluids and antibiotics

The vet will also set your dog up on IV fluids and antibiotics during their treatment to maintain hydration and prevent infection. Bloodwork may be done to check for toxins from digestion of the bird. Pain medication can also be administered as needed.

Aftercare at home

Once your dog is stable after veterinary treatment, they will likely come home with instructions for care such as:

• Keeping the area clean and dry after surgery
• Giving any prescribed antibiotics or pain medication
• Feeding a bland diet for a few days
• Avoiding strenuous activity
• Returning for follow-up appointments

Monitor them closely and call your vet if you notice symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or discomfort. Proper aftercare ensures your dog heals properly after treatment.

Preventing recurring episodes

To help prevent your dog from eating birds in the future, you can take these steps:

• Train your dog using the ‘leave it’ command when they notice birds
• Keep your dog leashed when outside around wildlife
• Use a basket muzzle temporarily during high risk situations
• Ensure your yard doesn’t attract wild birds with feeders or debris
• Work on impulse control training

With time, consistency and positive reinforcement, you can curb your dog’s bird-chasing instincts.

Conclusion

While dogs occasionally chasing and eating birds can seem like instinct, swallowing them whole can be extremely dangerous. Taking quick action to get veterinary care, following all treatment recommendations diligently, and preventing repeat occurrences are imperative after such an incident. With proper care guided by your trusted vet, your beloved pup can make a full recovery and avoid repeats in the future. Stay vigilant but keep a close eye on those bird-loving behaviors!

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