Snacking on Regurgitated Owl Pellets

[Diane and Alma]

The entire back of my property (on the neighbor's side) is lined with giant, coastal redwood trees. - a frequent place for owls to hang out.  For the past few days my doodle has been foraging  through the bushes on my side.  I went back there to see what she was getting into.  I found 3 regurgitated owl pellets.  She got sick the other day and I suspected she had gotten into something.  These can't be good for her to eat.  We have found them in the past but she never bothered them.  I am concerned about rat poisoning that people put out that rodents eat and wonder if this gets passed through the owl.   Any suggestions on what to do?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You are right to be concerned, and there is an easy solution: she cannot be outdoors unsupervised, and depending on her level of training, you may have to keep her leashed out there. 

[Diane and Alma]

Yes, I was thinking this too.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Some current rat poisons are extremely toxic, but not always immediately.  The rats wander around half sick and are easy prey for any predator.  Children are at risk also as the poison tastes sweet and is often in pellet form.  It is being passed to birds, cats, and other animals also.

Perhaps it would be worth your while to google owls and rat poison and pass the information on to all your neighbors with information about this problem. 

It really puts your whole area in some danger depending on what is used.

My neighbor was baiting squirrels with poison and when I showed them the research and consequences, even possibly for their children, they stopped immediately.

[Diane and Alma]

There have been several posts on Nextdoor in my area regarding this issue.  Of course not everyone is on that site.  I agree that educating people is key but it's hard to control what other people do.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Could you put one of the netting muzzle type things on? I’d still supervise but Dogs can be fast. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's not really a muzzle, but great idea. The Outfox Hood! Dog is unrestrained and can even drink water, but can't eat anything. Perfect solution. Many people with dogs who have serious digestive disease use them so their dogs can safely have freedom outside. The appearance may be offputting, but they work great and most dogs adjust quickly with no problems.
https://www.outfoxfordogs.com/

[Diane and Alma]

That's a great idea.  I've never heard of it.  Looks simple to use and effective.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

People in my IBD dogs group swear by it. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I appreciate you following my general info with the specifics, Karen.  I don't have any true knowledge about this item except from your postings to someone else.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

sounds like an awesome idea

[Lynda Kamrath]

I would say to pick up the owl pellets and donate to a local elementary school.  We always loved disecting owl pellets, but they could have rat poison in them.  They are crunchy, so that is probably why your dog likes to chew them.  You can find all the bones of a little vole, mouse, or smaller bird in an owl pellet.