A grieving woman has issued a warning to dog owners after her four-year-old pet Pip died last week, believed to have consumed toxic goose droppings. Gemma described the trauma as "just unbelievable" and said the speed of events made it "harder to process".
Rapid deterioration after walk
In a TikTok video, Gemma detailed the "heartbreak and shock" following Pip's routine walk on July 15. "She was full of life and just a great little character and loved running around," Gemma said. Pip developed sickness on Thursday morning, but Gemma initially thought it was not unusual.
However, Pip's vomiting continued alongside breathing issues and drooling. After consulting a vet, Gemma was told that as long as Pip was walking and had no diarrhoea, there was little cause for concern. "Within about 45 minutes of that phone call she took a drastic turn for the worse and she started with really watery, bloody diarrhoea," Gemma said.
Emergency vet visit
Gemma took Pip to the vet as an emergency. "She was lethargic and had collapsed on the floor," she said. The vet team saw Pip immediately. Gemma thought Pip had a gastroenteritis bug needing fluids and antibiotics, but "she was on every treatment going, we tried everything, but lost her by the end of the day."
Gemma believes Pip became unwell after consuming "goose poo" in the park 48 hours earlier. "I didn't realise goose poo can be toxic," she said. She also noted Pip had been to the beach and breathed in sand, which can create micro-cuts in the intestine, calling it "the perfect storm."
Warning to other owners
Gemma warned: "Please, if your dog has been around any poultry... geese, seagulls, pigeons... it can all be toxic for them. If your dog starts being sick within 24 to 48 hours, even if it is just once, go get them checked out." She added: "If I had known - would it have been different? I would have taken Pip the first time she was sick. It's just been a massive shock and I'm still in disbelief. I don't think I will ever get over the trauma of seeing her like that."
Goose Masters explains online: "Because goose poo can have dangerous bacteria, parasites, and other infection causing contaminants it is important to keep a close eye on your dogs if they have been eating geese poop to see if their illness can be taken care of at home or if they need a veterinarian to treat their symptoms."
