A grieving dog owner has issued an urgent warning to pet owners after her four-year-old dog died following a walk in the park. Gemma, from the UK, lost her beloved dog Pip last week after the animal fell ill with suspected poisoning from goose droppings.
In a TikTok video, Gemma recounted how Pip had been running around on Wednesday evening but began vomiting on Thursday morning. Initially reassured by a vet that as long as the dog was moving and had no diarrhoea, there was little cause for concern, Pip's condition worsened rapidly within 45 minutes.
Gemma rushed Pip to the vet after she developed watery, bloody diarrhoea and collapsed. Despite treatment for gastroenteritis, including fluids and antibiotics, Pip died by the end of the day. Gemma believes the illness was caused by eating goose poo in the park 48 hours earlier, combined with inhaling sand at the beach, which may have created micro-cuts in the intestine.
She now urges other dog owners to seek veterinary advice immediately if their pet vomits within 24 to 48 hours after being near poultry or other birds. 'If your dog has been around any poultry... geese, seagulls, pigeons... it can all be toxic for them,' she said.
The RSPCA warns that dogs can be poisoned by harmful substances, including some household items. In an emergency, owners can contact the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) Animal PoisonLine, a 24-hour advice service (fee applies).
