Riley ate either a Squirrel or baby bunny- What do I do?

[Star and Goldie]

I have never seen anything like this happen but I just looked out my patio door and saw half of an animal hanging out of Riley's mouth. Before I could open the door and yell "DROP IT" she opened her mouth and I saw that the animal, which was either a squirrel or a small bunny, was already in shreds and Riley was just finishing the second half. 

I didn't know whether to scream or cry or BOTH. Call me crazy, but for some reason that made me feel so sad (more than disgusted, I suppose). I'm trying to tell myself that it was a squirrel, not that any small creature is better than the other but the thought of a little ol' baby bunny... so sad :(

Anyway, aside from my personal feelings of the situation- has anyone had a dog that did/does this? Do I need to do anything with Riley like induce vomiting or anything? She is acting completely fine (in fact seems pretty darn happy right now) She's always barked at squirrels and rabbits but I have NEVER seen her do anything like this and never imagined she would.

Well, she sure is doing all kinds of things to surprise me lately, isn't she? You'd think it be the puppy making me want to pull my hair out. HA!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I know this has happened to other DKers with no ill after effects for the Doodle...just the owner.  I'm sorry...I know how you must be feeling.  That's just their instinct....but it would make me feel awful too.

[Star and Goldie]

Thanks, Jane! I don't like this feeling of GUILT! I didn't eat that poor animal but I sure feel like I contributed to it's demise. The neighbors have a family of bunnies that live under their shed and I'm just praying it wasn't one of those babies!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's a prior discussion....you're not alone.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have to say I was rather upset when my dogs killed something. Their only saving grace is that they lose interest soon after the creature is dead or at least have never tried to eat it. I personally would leave Riley alone and just observe her. I guess I'd skip her next meal.

[Star and Goldie]

haha! F, that last statement cracked me up. Good point, I'm sure she's got her protein fill for the day.

[Star and Goldie]

I'm really so glad my daughter did not see this happen. I don't even know how I would deal with that if she had!

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Did you call the vet?

My fear would be that the animal may carry a disease or have ingested some poison...I know people don't poison squirrels or rabbits like they do mice/rats, but I'd ask the vet just in case he/she has heard of something in your area.

I'd be feeling exactly like you are...to Riley, it's just instinct.  Please let us know how she's doing later.

[Willow and J]

Willow didn't kill anything yet (knock on wood!), but she ate something dead in the park once. We called our vet, and they said what we'd have to watch out for is parasites, but eating rabbit/squirrel itself won't be too much problem. You may want to have stool sample tested some time, but as long as Riley doesn't show any symptom, it might be okay.

[Christine & Camus]

Camus has never caught a critter, not sure what he would do if he did.  However, another dog I had use to catch possum and kill them then just wait for me to see his "present". 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD has never done this, but as Jane said, a lot of DK doodles have. It's just instinct. I know you must have The Lion King video somewhere around the house. Well, this is what they're singing about in the "Circle of Life", lol.  

Riley should be fine. Just keep an eye on her. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Maybe this needs a section in the food group? Live food ! LOL

[Star and Goldie]

Love the Lion King reference! I'm keeping that one in my back pocket in case Silverlyn ever sees any of this live action! I'll use that as our talking point. :)