What To Do If Your Dog Eats Shrimp Tails

As dog owners, we want to keep our furry friends safe and healthy. Occasionally, our pooches might get into some people food that could cause them harm, like shrimp tails. While the shrimp meat itself is usually fine for dogs, the tails and shells can potentially lead to digestive issues or even choking. So what should you do if your dog eats shrimp tails? Here’s a thorough guide to dealing with this scenario and keeping your pup safe.

Risks of Dogs Eating Shrimp Tails

Before getting into what to do if your dog eats shrimp tails, let’s look at why shrimp tails can be problematic. Here are some of the potential risks:

• Choking hazard – Shrimp tails and shells can get lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract. This is especially dangerous for small breed dogs

• Digestive upset – The chitin in shells is hard for dogs to digest and can cause vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

• Internal injury – Sharp edges on shells could potentially damage the esophagus stomach or intestines if swallowed.

• Allergic reaction – Some dogs are allergic to shellfish proteins and may react with swelling, hives, vomiting, etc.

• Bacteria exposure – Raw shrimp may contain Salmonella and other pathogens that can sicken your dog if ingested.

So while shrimp meat is fine for dogs, the tails and shells do pose some risks you need to be aware of Monitor your dog closely if they’ve eaten any amount of shrimp tails

Signs of Trouble After Eating Shrimp Tails

If your dog ate shrimp tails, keep an eye out for the following signs of trouble:

• Choking, coughing or gagging
• Drooling more than normal
• Discomfort swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stool
• Swollen mouth or tongue
• Hives, rash, itching
• Difficulty breathing

If you notice any of these worrisome symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away. Choking, allergic reactions and internal injury can be life threatening, so prompt medical attention is crucial.

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Cooked Shrimp Tails

If your dog already swallowed some cooked shrimp tails or shells, here’s what you should do:

• Remain calm – Try not to panic, as this can stress your dog out more.

• Monitor closely – Watch for signs of choking, digestive issues, allergic reaction.

• Call your vet – Describe the situation and symptoms. They’ll advise if your dog needs to come in.

• Prevent dehydration – Encourage your dog to drink water to stay hydrated.

• Feed a bland diet – Boiled chicken and rice for a few days may help calm your dog’s stomach.

• Avoid exercise – Don’t let your dog run around much until the shrimp passes through.

• Consider anti-nausea meds – Your vet may prescribe something to calm your dog’s stomach.

With close monitoring andmaybe some basic first aid, your dog will likely recover on their own. But if symptoms persist or seem severe, take your dog to the vet clinic.

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Raw Shrimp Tails

Raw shrimp poses a higher safety risk due to bacteria exposure. Here’s how to respond:

• Don’t induce vomiting – This could force sharp shells back up your dog’s throat.

• Call the vet immediately – Let them know your dog ate raw shrimp tails.

• Monitor very closely – Watch for any signs of illness or reaction.

• Go to the vet ASAP – They’ll examine your dog and provide prompt care as needed.

• Get antibiotics if prescribed – To clear up any bacterial infection.

• Feed a bland diet – Boiled chicken and rice while their stomach recovers.

• Avoid exercise – Rest is important so their body can heal.

Raw shrimp compromises your dog’s health more than cooked. But with veterinary treatment, most dogs recover fully.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Shrimp Tails

Going forward, keep the following tips in mind to keep your curious dog out of the shrimp platter:

• Toss tails immediately – Don’t leave shrimp tails within your dog’s reach, even for a minute.

• Cover or put away food – Don’t let your dog wander near tables with shrimp on them.

• Train your dog – Reinforce “leave it” commands around food.

• Feed your dog first – A full dog is less likely to steal human food.

• Avoid sharking – Never feed your dog human scraps or from the table.

• Designate dog zones – Keep dogs away from dining areas when eating shrimp.

• Secure trash – Make sure your dog can’t get into garbage with discarded shells.

• Supervise outdoors – Don’t leave dogs unsupervised in areas where people may be eating shrimp.

With training and vigilance, you can help prevent your dog from accessing shrimp tails to begin with.

When To Take Your Dog To The Vet After Eating Shrimp

It’s important to know when to seek veterinary help if your dog ate shrimp tails. Get immediate emergency care if your dog shows any of these symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of throat, lips or tongue
• Signs of choking – gagging, coughing, pawing at mouth
• Little to no energy, extreme lethargy
• Bloody vomit or stool
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours
• No appetite for over 24 hours
• Abdominal pain or tenderness

For less severe issues like mild vomiting or diarrhea, call your vet to determine if an appointment is needed. But when in doubt, it’s always best to have your dog seen, just to be safe.

FAQs About Dogs Who Ate Shrimp Tails

Here are some common questions dog owners have about shrimp tail incidents:

How long will it take for shrimp tails to pass through my dog’s system?

It depends on the size of the dog and quantity ingested, but shells usually pass within 12-24 hours. Larger dogs may take up to 48 hours.

Should I add canned pumpkin to my dog’s food after eating shrimp?

Yes, a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin can help soothe digestive upset and make stools more solid.

What home remedy helps soothe an upset stomach after eating shrimp?

Try giving your dog ice cubes to lick, as this can reduce nausea. Also provide plenty of fresh water.

Do I need to bring my dog to the vet if they show no symptoms?

As long as your dog acts normal with no signs of trouble, just monitor them closely at home. But call your vet to be safe.

How soon after eating shrimp tails will my dog get sick?

Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea usually show up within 4 to 12 hours if your dog is going to have an adverse reaction.

The bottom line is keeping a close eye on your dog after they eat any shrimp tails. With prompt treatment from your vet when needed, most dogs recover just fine. Be vigilant and never hesitate to call the vet if something seems off after your dog gets into the shrimp platter.