Dogs Eating Horse Manure

Is it Dangerous for Dogs to Eat Horse Manure?

Many dogs are partial to eating horse manure, so much so that for some the ‘leave it’ command, seems to be translated by them as ‘quickly eat as much as you can!’. On the whole, the manure will pass through, often looking the same as it did when it was eaten, but for some dogs, it may cause a problem. If the horse has recently been treated for worms with a chemical called Ivermectin it can have passed out in manure for a few days. A dog that eats a large amount of horse poo containing Ivermectin could become very ill. There are a number of breeds however that have a gene mutation that makes them particularly sensitive and therefore at risk. Dogs that can have this mutation include Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, long-haired Whippets, Merle Pomeranians and potentially other herding breeds as well as some dogs with white feet.

Dogs that have suspected Ivermectin toxicity may show the following symptoms and should be seen by a vet as soon as possible:

• Dilated (large) pupils
• Poor balance • Disorientation
• Lethargy 
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Seizures