Is Bird Seed Safe for Dogs? 6 Things to Know If Your Dog Ate It

Bird seed is a fairly widespread staple in many individuals’s properties. Many folks love the sight of birds fluttering round, fortunately feasting on their seeds. However, is chicken seed protected for dogs?

Some dogs appear to be interested in the presence of chicken seed, whether or not it’s in a bag or scattered round a yard. It isn’t precisely a really widespread factor for birds to attempt to eat, however it isn’t precisely uncommon, both.

In this text, we’ll speak concerning the potential risks to your canine in the event that they devour chicken seed, in addition to the widespread signs you must be careful for. If your canine has consumed birdseed, preserve studying to be taught what steps that you must take.

Common Ingredients in Bird Seed

Of course, all chicken seed is a bit of bit completely different. Birds truly like a number of completely different sorts of seed, and due to this fact, chicken seed tends to incorporate a number of completely different elements.

Often, birdseed is created to draw a specific sort of chicken. For occasion, you could discover mixes particularly for songbirds and others for cardinals. Each combine goals to offer seeds that that exact sort of chicken likes.

Bird seed can include a variety of seeds and grains, and the precise composition could fluctuate relying on the model and sort. Common elements embody sunflower seeds, millet, safflower seeds, peanuts, corn, and oats.

Here’s a fast breakdown of every variety:

• Sunflower Seeds: A favourite amongst many chicken species, sunflower seeds are excessive in wholesome fat and protein. There are two most important varieties: black oil sunflower seeds (smaller, thin-shelled) and striped sunflower seeds (bigger, thicker-shelled).
• Millet: Millet seeds are tiny and are available in numerous colours. They are in style with sparrows, finches, and doves.
• Safflower Seeds: These seeds are identified for his or her bitter style, which makes them much less enticing to squirrels. Cardinals and grosbeaks choose them.
• Peanuts: Peanuts present a great supply of protein and wholesome fat. They are loved by woodpeckers, jays, and nuthatches.
• Corn: Whole or cracked corn is a staple in lots of birdseed mixes. It’s relished by bigger birds like crows and doves.
• Oats: Oats are a great supply of carbohydrates and are sometimes included so as to add bulk to birdseed mixes.

Some of those elements are protected for dogs, whereas others should not. It’s essential to determine the precise chicken seeds your dogs are consuming to find out precisely whether or not it’s protected or not.

The Dangers of Bird Seed for Dogs

Bird seed was, after all, designed for birds – not dogs. Therefore, it might probably current a danger to dogs when consumed. However, the precise dangers will fluctuate from canine to canine and chicken seed to chicken seed.

Bird seed combined usually incorporates seeds and grains that is probably not a part of a canine’s ordinary food regimen. Some of those seeds are very stuffed with fats, which might trigger digestive points for dogs if consumed excessively. Sunflower seeds would fall into this class.

Sometimes, seeds will also be a choking danger, particularly for smaller breeds and puppies. Eating entire seeds with out chewing them correctly can result in choking. If it doesn’t, too many seeds can pile up within the digestive tract and trigger intestinal blockages.

Dogs also can have allergic reactions, similar to folks. Some of those allergic reactions could also be to the elements present in chicken seeds, comparable to peanuts. Allergic reactions can vary from minor to exceptionally extreme.

Some chicken seeds could include mildew, particularly if it isn’t new or the bag has been opened. Ingesting moldy chicken seed can result in severe well being issues for dogs, together with gastrointestinal upset.

Common Signs Your Dog Ate Bird Seed

If your canine has eaten an excessive amount of birdseed, they could develop some damaging signs. The actual quantity that’s thought of “too much” will fluctuate from canine to canine. Smaller dogs are inclined to get signs when consuming much less chicken seed, as they’ve a smaller physique weight. However, dogs which are allergic could present signs with little or no birdseed.

The most typical response to ingesting chicken seed is gastrointestinal issues. Usually, this contains vomiting and/or diarrhea. Often, this happens shortly after your canine eats the chicken seed and is the physique’s approach of making an attempt to remove the improper meals from their physique.

If the chicken seed was not correctly chewed or if it contains massive, laborious seeds, your canine could exhibit indicators of choking or coughing. They would possibly paw at their mouth or seem distressed.

If your canine is coughing and making noises, they’re not choking. Never shove your fingers right into a canine’s mouth. This could lead to harm for you, however it could additionally push the obstruction additional into your canine’s throat. (You ought to by no means shove your fingers into any choking animal’s mouth except you possibly can see the obstruction and pull it out simply.)

Some dogs could present indicators of discomfort or ache, doubtless of their stomach space. Many dogs will whine, tempo, or appear stressed. Often, this goes hand-in-hand with different gastrointestinal issues.

Rarely, dogs could seem torpid after consuming chicken seed. Usually, this occurs when the canine is in ache, which causes them to not wish to transfer all that a lot. They may additionally be drained or dehydrated from vomiting.

If your canine is allergic to a particular seed or grain in a chicken combine, they could have an allergic response. Minor reactions may contain itching, particularly on the canine’s paws. If they all of the sudden appear very itchy, it could be because of the birdseed.

Dogs with extreme allergic reactions could exhibit swelling or respiratory points.

Monitoring Your Dog’s Condition

It’s essential to do not forget that each canine is completely different. Some dogs could ingest birdseed and be utterly fantastic. However, different dogs could solely eat a bit of bit and begin feeling signs straight away. It’s essential that you just take the state of affairs critically, both approach.

When unsure, attain out to your vet with questions. Often, your vet can give you data on what to observe for that will sign a extra significant issue. It’s finest to offer them with particulars concerning the sort and amount of birdseed your canine ingested. If you possibly can present the ingredient checklist off of the bag, even higher.

Do not induce vomiting except beneficial by your vet. Certain seeds or parts could not react properly and might trigger harm on the way in which again up. Until you may get skilled assist, preserve your canine calm and in a quiet, comfy surroundings.

Steps to Take if Your Dog Ate Bird Seed

If your canine has eaten a considerable quantity of birdseed, listed here are some steps that you must take:

• Contact a veterinarian: You ought to contact a vet in case your canine has eaten rather a lot of birdseed. When unsure, it’s best to contact them. Lots of birdseed can result in impaction, which is probably lethal.
• Don’t panic. Luckily, consuming chicken seed is never lethal, and most dogs don’t want veterinary care. In many circumstances, there isn’t a lot that you must do.
• Observe your canine. Keep an in depth eye in your canine’s conduct and signs. This data can be helpful once you converse with the veterinarian. Not any signs your canine has, comparable to vomiting, choking, or allergic reactions.

Preventing Future Incidents

While addressing the fast state of affairs is essential, it’s equally essential to take steps to forestall future incidents involving birdseed and your canine. A canine that ate birdseed as soon as will in all probability do it once more – even when it made them sick.

Be positive to securely retailer your birdseed, ideally in a location that’s inaccessible to your canine. You must also supervise yoru canine when they’re wherever that will include huge quantities of seeds, comparable to round your chicken feeders.

Training will also be useful. With sufficient endurance, you possibly can practice your canine to keep away from birdseed and different hazards.