Garbage gut in dogs (garbage toxicosis)

Most dogs will do anything for food! Unfortunately, however, an obsession with food can lead to some dogs eating things they shouldn’t. 

Garbage toxicosis, more commonly known as ‘garbage gut’, is a risk for dogs who ingest the mould or bacteria found on items like discarded food and litter. 

In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for garbage gut in dogs – as well as uncovering several ways you can prevent this potentially life-threatening health concern…

Please note: Although garbage toxicosis might also be referred to as ‘dietary indiscretion’ or ‘bacterial food poisoning’, we’ll be using the term ‘garbage gut’ throughout this article. 

What is garbage gut in dogs?

Garbage gut can happen when a dog swallows something that’s been contaminated with harmful substances. After those harmful substances have been ingested, toxins make their way into a dog’s bloodstream via their digestive system, which results in a form of food poisoning. 

There are many toxic items your dog may eat while at home or out on a walk that might lead to garbage gut, including:

• Mouldy, spoiled, or decaying food (e.g. table scraps).
• Food waste (e.g. eggshells or peelings).
• Litter (e.g. cigarette butts, cans, broken glass, etc.).
• Poo (belonging to themselves or another animal).
• Dead animals (e.g. at the side of the road).

Symptoms of garbage gut in dogs will vary, depending on the toxic item your dog has eaten. Here are a few types of bacteria that can lead to garbage gut in dogs:

• Salmonella.
• Escherichia coli.
• Streptococcus.
• Clostridium perfringens.
• Bacillus.

Signs of garbage gut in dogs

The signs of garbage gut in dogs tend to vary in severity, and will differ from one case to another, based on the types of bacteria or toxins ingested. Some of the signs you might see if your dog is suffering from garbage gut include:

• Diarrhoea.
• Vomiting.
• Drooling.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dehydration.
• High temperature.
• Lethargy (extreme tiredness).
• Stomach pain.
• Abdominal bloating or swelling.
• Seizures.

In severe cases of garbage gut, life-threatening complications can arise, such as:

• ‘Bloat’ (gastric dilatation).
• Gastrointestinal (GI) blockage.
• Pancreatitis. 

It’s believed that there are certain dogs who may be at greater risk of garbage gut than others, like dogs under five years old or dogs of smaller breeds.

Diagnosing garbage gut in dogs

Vets can use a variety of tests to diagnose garbage gut in dogs, for example:

• Physical examinations.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• Testing of stool samples.
• X-rays and/or ultrasound scans.

Sometimes, in more serious cases of garbage gut in dogs, vets might perform an endoscopy – a procedure using a camera to check the digestive system under anaesthetic.

How is garbage gut in dogs treated?

The treatments a dog might need for toxicosis will largely depend on a variety of factors impacting their individual case. 

As long as it’s treated quickly, most cases of garbage gut are mild and dogs generally make a full recovery within 24-72 hours. If a vet has recommended that it’s safe to treat your dog’s garbage gut at home, treatments might include:

• Withholding food for a set amount of time.
• Providing small, frequent meals consisting of bland food.
• Giving them a vet-approved digestive probiotic.

Should your dog require urgent veterinary care for garbage gut, their vet could offer the following treatments:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids.
• Anti-sickness medications.
• Surgery (to remove any blockages).

Preventing garbage gut in dogs

Thankfully, most cases of garbage gut are preventable – so there’s plenty you can do to protect your dog from developing this unpleasant condition!

Train your dog to ‘leave’ and ‘let go’ on command

Teaching your dog to leave items alone or drop whatever’s in their mouth, as soon as you ask them to, is an important step towards protecting them from garbage gut. 

Watch your dog closely while out on walks

Monitor your dog throughout every walk, to make sure they don’t pick up or eat anything that could potentially be toxic for them.

Keep potentially poisonous items out of reach

Keep every bin in your home and garden closed at all times, to prevent your dog from gaining access to items that could be poisonous. 

Consider using a basket muzzle for your dog

If your dog struggles to resist temptation and you’re worried they’ll eat something harmful while out on walks, it might be worth considering the use of a basket muzzle. 

Speak to a vet for advice

Always speak to a vet for advice if you’re worried about your dog’s eating habits. Should your dog’s tendency to eat anything they find become a behavioural issue, your vet can refer you to a qualified canine behaviourist for support. 

We hope this information helps you keep your dog safe and healthy. A little care goes a long way in preventing a potentially dangerous and unpleasant experience for you and your pooch.