What is Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut)?
Dogs are known to get into the trash every once in awhile, and even to eat the feces of other animals (especially from cat litter boxes), but these animals are at a higher risk of an illness called garbage toxicosis or garbage gut. Eating dead animals, such as birds or other small animals may also be the cause of garbage toxicosis. This is most common in outdoor dogs because they are able to ingest spoiled food or waste as well as dead animals that can be full of bacteria and other harmful organisms. Feeding your dog table scraps or a raw food diet can also add to the chance of your pet getting garbage toxicosis. When your dog ingests food (or waste) that is contaminated or spoiled, the bacteria gets into the digestive tract where it can produce toxins that get absorbed into the bloodstream.
Garbage toxicosis, or garbage gut, is a condition caused by the ingestion of food, trash, or waste that is contaminated with bacteria or other toxic substances. This can be from eating spoiled food out of a trash can, table scraps, dead animals from outside, and vomit or feces from other animals. It is also known as gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or food poisoning. Garbage toxicosis may be recognized by watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, but can also be severe enough to cause inability to control body movements, hypothermia, and shock.
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Symptoms of Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) in Dogs
The signs of garbage toxicosis depend on what kind of bacteria is involved, but the most commonly reported side effects are:
- Diarrhea (may be bloody or watery)
- Vomiting (can be projectile vomiting with or without blood)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Appetite loss
- Sleepiness
- High body temperature
- Depression
- Dehydration
- Panting
- Flatulence (gas)
- Weakness
- Shock (cold extremities, weak pulse, inactivity, respiratory failure)
- Seizures (rare)
- Death (rare)
Types
Garbage toxicosis is possible in any breed of dog at any age, both male and female, but there are certain high-risk categories, which are:
- Outdoor dogs
- Small and toy breed dogs (Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier)
- Young dogs under five years old
Causes of Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) in Dogs
The cause of garbage toxicosis is eating food, waste, feces, or carrion that is infected with bacteria, such as:
- Bacillus
- Clostridium botulinum
- Clostridium perfringens
- Escherichia coli
- Penitrem-A (a neurotoxin)
- Salmonella
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
Diagnosis of Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) in Dogs
Many cases of garbage toxicosis are mild, but some can be serious, especially in a small breed, young, or older dog. Since two of the most common side effects are diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration is a serious worry in garbage toxicosis. The bacteria involved is also a concern because some types of bacterial infections may cause central nervous system signs such as loss of muscle control and seizures. The only way to determine which type of bacteria is involved is to take your pet to a veterinary professional. If you cannot get an appointment to see your veterinarian within 24 hours, you should take your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic.
The veterinarian will do a physical examination on your dog to check reflexes, temperature, body weight and height, breath sounds, pupil reaction time, abdominal palpation, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. Afterward, the veterinarian will likely need to perform some laboratory tests, including a CBC, chemical profile, stool samples, and a urinalysis.
Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasounds may also be recommended. If necessary, the veterinarian may need to get an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan for a better look at the intestinal tract and stomach.
Treatment of Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) in Dogs
Treating garbage toxicosis in dogs is similar to treating a patient who has been poisoned. The best course of treatment will ultimately depend on the symptoms and health of your dog, but most often include getting the toxins out of the system and treating the signs.
Evacuation
If your dog has been vomiting already, there is usually no need to give an emetic, such as ipecac syrup, apomorphine, or hydrogen peroxide. In addition, activated charcoal may be given to absorb the excess bacteria or toxins.
Detoxification
Intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes will be given to rehydrate and flush the kidneys.
Medications
Some medications that the veterinarian may give your pet are muscle relaxants to control seizures, H2 blockers for gastric upset, and antibiotics for infection.
Observation
The veterinarian may want to keep your dog hospitalized for observation and fluid therapy.
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Recovery of Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) in Dogs
Chances of recovery are better if you are able to get treatment before the toxins are completely absorbed into the bloodstream. The veterinarian may send you home with antidiarrheal medication, antibiotics, and H2 blockers, so make sure you give as prescribed. Bring your dog back for a follow up as directed by the veterinarian and call if you have any questions.
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Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) Average Cost
From 438 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$950
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Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pomsky
Eight Months
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizure
My Pomsky had 2 grand mal seizures last week 2 hours apart. We took her to the ER and all lab work was normal, so diagnosed with idiopathic seizures and put on Keppra 3 times a day.
Today she threw up a plastic roll sausage wrapper with the metal clips on the ends, that she ate 4 weeks ago. Could this have caused her seizures?
Jan. 28, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
9 Recommendations
Hello, this would have been weird to cause seizures. I usually do not start on seizure medication until they have had more than 2 episodes in 1 month. Two in one day would have me concerned but I have seen some dogs have seizures from something they ate and never have seizures again in their life. Being on life long medication for this would not be best. If your dog continues to have seizures they would need to be on this medication for the rest of their life. You can always see a neurologist to see if there is an underlying cause of these seizures that did not show up on bloodwork.
Jan. 28, 2021
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Chorkie
Two Years
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting, Staggering
My dog is about 5lbs. She has not eating for almost ⁴ days and has not went #2 in like 3days. And she keeps throwing up. And every time she drinks she throws up right after. And now she having a hard time walking and standing up.
Dec. 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
14 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I'm sorry that your dog is not feeling well. From your description, she is extremely ill, and needs to go to the ER immediately. Without being able to see her, I cannot say why she is having this problem, but she is seriously ill and needs to be seen right away.
Dec. 16, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Three Years
32 found this helpful
32 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog got into the trash the other day and has a hard stomach what should I do?
Dec. 10, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
32 Recommendations
Oh No. The trash can cause them to not feel so good. It will take a day or two for the body to process this food and move through. If she is eating and pooping normally, you can watch her. If she is not pooping or eating, something may be stuck, and need to see your vet.
Dec. 10, 2020
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red heeler
Two Years
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Really Shaky, Highly Intoxicated, Cant Walk Only Lays Down And Is Constatntly Falling Over
I believe he has garbage gut is what he has and is showing major signs of intoxication can't walk at all sitting and laying and leaning and falling over. He got into the garbage shed i have and literally ate himself into a stooper or looking like death. I’ve given him water and he seem to respond very well to that and then now I’ve carried him inside and warm small bathroom of ours and wrapped them up in a big old comforter that I put in the dryer and he’s now just laying there shaking butt is smoothing out. Vet is not an option. Whats a home remedy i can try? Hydrogen Peroxide, etc etc
Dec. 2, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
15 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
What you have said is very concerning and not consistent with a stomach upset / garbage gut, but more with a significant intoxication or similar.
Can you think of anything he may have got to such as cleaning products, anti freeze or paint?
Giving hydrogen peroxide is not safe in a dog that is 'just laying there' as they may not be conscious enough to safely vomit and could aspirate.
Your pet needs to go to an emergency vet right away.
Dec. 2, 2020
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German Shepherd pitbull mix
Seven Months
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My dog ate a dead deer, rabbit, and squirrel. He keeps getting into the garbage. He now has watery diarrhea and wouldn't eat his food. Could he have contracted something to make him sick? Could it be fatal? What to do next?
Nov. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
10 Recommendations
Eating wild animals and garbage can absolutely result in stomach upset, infections and parasites.
Be sure he is up to date with a good quality wormer.
If he is very ill and not eating, there is always a risk of dehydration, shock and potential death (though this would not be common).
If he is unwell and not eating, a vet should examine him and may prescribe medicine such as an anti diarrhoea paste, anti nausea injection and fluids (if needed).
Nov. 30, 2020
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Yellow Lab
Willow
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
My 4 Year old Yellow Lab got into garbage 2 nights ago while we were gone. She had vomited 5 times throughout the house, all containing just her dog food, no garbage. Theday after she ate fine,
played ball for a while, and acted pretty normal. Although now she is acting more tired, not eating the best, she will eat but only small bits at a time, almost as if her throat or stomach hurts?? She has been eating grass non stop since it happened , every time we let her out. I’m not sure about diarrhea but I feel like she’s acting odd. She has an on going issue with excessive swallowing and gulping almost, Vets have said they don’t know what it is and brushed it off everytime. Since she got into the garbage that has gotten increasingly worse. She doesn’t feel warm and I checked her ears (Vet told me if ears are hot it means she has a fever??) and they were cool. Do I bring her in?
Garbage Toxicosis (Garbage Gut) Average Cost
From 438 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$950
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
