Due to the amount of pet food recalls and the increasing numbers of cases of animals dying by cruelty, pet owners are understandably worried about the risks of their own pets coming across poisoned dog food. Vets advise on a few significant signs that a dog’s food may have been poisoned. Amongst these signs to watch out for are vomiting, bloody stools, loss of appetite and energy and excessive thirst. Unfortunately, these signs may not grow apparent until a number of days after the dog have consumed poisoned dog food.

If a dog owner is suspicious of food that their dog has eaten, even partially eaten, it can be advisable for them to keep any leftovers and bring them to a vet for examination. If the dog food is in fact poisoned, it can be worth noting if the police become involved in the situation as this information could lead to the perpetrators becoming prosecuted. It is evidence after all. If a dog shows any signs of being ill or poisoned, especially after eating food that has been recalled, given by a stranger or found on a walk, it is far better to consult a vet immediately than leaving it until it is too late to treat.

Crimes Involving Poisoned Dog Food

Amongst those dogs poisoned by contaminated dog food that has been recalled by manufacturers, there are also random acts of cruelty where dogs are purposely poisoned. This can occur for various reasons and by those who are sane yet excessively cruel. It is unfortunately, not that unusual for pet owners to find that after rows with neighbors or acquaintances, their dog eats food that has been mysteriously poisoned. This is growing in instances and it is the animals that bear the brunt for this type of thoughtlessness and cruelty. There are also those who do not have enough knowledge in the care of animals and who mistakenly feed their dogs food which is effectually poisoned, being full of toxins that are extremely unhealthy for dogs.

Dogs can also inadvertently consume food that has been poisoned and intended for other species like pests and rodents. Worse still are the cases of people who intentionally harm their own animals because they cannot afford to pay for their food, because the animal is not a working dog or if the animal has had puppies. These cases are criminal and many who are found guilty of feeding dogs a portion of poisoned food are forbidden from owning animals thereafter for a number of years. This is a growing practice but there are still many animals suffering from negligence and cruelty.