Dog ate some dead coyote blood

[mokibear]

I have a rescue dog that we got last January. With a change of diet and exercise she has become really healthy and was doing great. 4 days ago, someone shot a coyote and left a pool of blood that had gotten snowed over. Bella, my dog, found it 2 days ago and by the time I was able to get to her, she had already licked some of it. Today, she seems a little punky and not her usual boisterous self.

I realize that she may just be having an off day but wondered if there is a possibility that she would have contracted anything from that blood? Would any virus or anything survive the cold weather and infect her?

Thank you, I'm just so concerned for her as she has become part of our family.
Moki

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I certainly hope not!

Leptospirosis and some toxins can be spread this way, and are very resistant in the environment.  Your dog may have already been vaccinated for leptospirosis, though, so you should check with your vet.

If there were active bacterial or viral components in the blood they may have been diluted by the snow which would make them less dangerous.  However, the snow and cold could also have kept them fresh and infective.

The bottom line is: Please have your dog checked by your vet.

[mokibear]

Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. I will take her to the vet and have her checked.

Moki