Molly ate an entire block of suet.

I looked up the definition of suet, and found that it's fat surrounding various organs. Given that, I don't quite follow your comment about walking around a tree. :?:

If she ingested a lot of fat, I'd be worried about the possibility of pancreatitis.

general said he'd prolly like suet. What is suet? Is it anything like asparagus

Betsy, I'm glad you posted the heads up about pancreatitis.

The suet I know of is generally very, very high fat mixed with seeds and kept out during the winter months for birds.

Many of the commercially made suets are a little suspect, using rancid fats, gross stuff, that probably wouldn't be a problem for birds in the winter because they just need fats for energy, but maybe for a well fed dog.

In any case, I would definitely be on the lookout for any signs of pancreatitis or anything else. Not a good thing at all for a dog to eat!

Suet cakes are blocks of hardened or semi-hard animal fat that are flavored with nuts, berries, peanut butter, and/or seeds that you put out in a special hanging cage for wild birds. You can buy ready made blocks or you can make your own. The fat is necessary for some bird's diet, especially in the colder months. Woodpeckers are particularly fond of it. I can see how a Basset may find it a tempting treat... Moe's favorite fatty treat is butter.

Terry

Ah, mystery solved! Thanks, guys!

ETA, Nature Girl, I am obviously not.

Also, as Bicuit pointed out, suet is more commonly set out during the cold months, not only because the birds need it then, but also because in the warm months it will quickly spoil if not eaten promptly. We don't put out suet May to September.

Terry

Sally stole a whole pound of butter last week (hubby's fault :evil: ). I was so worried about pancreatitis that I induced vomiting. You can use hydrogen peroxide, the dose is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. It all came up, thank dog. I felt terrible about doing it to her, but I've known dogs that died from pancreatitis. I'd get another vet if I were you.

I wouldn't induce vomiting in my dog unless I contacted my veterinarian or poison control because of the risk of aspiration pneumonia and becasue I could be wrong on whether it's something you should or should not induce vomiting. ( Of course if your miles away without a phone I might do it depending on the substance.)

I've known dogs that have died of aspiration pneumonia and also pancreatitis but I think inducing vomiting shouldn't be taken lightly.

If your pet accidentally ingests a medication intended for humans, call your veterinarian or poison control center at once for advice.

Hydrogen peroxide may be given orally in the dosage your veterinarian recommends. Hydrogen peroxide usually induces vomiting within 10 minutes. A small risk of aspiration pneumonia exists when a pet is dosed with hydrogen peroxide, so obtain clear instructions from the health care team.

Syrup of ipecac is an alternative means of inducing vomiting. This substance is available over-the-counter (OTC) at any local pharmacy, and some veterinarians prefer it.  

One additional attempt at inducing vomiting can be attempted if the first is unsuccessful after 20 minutes.  edited by me to add that some sources say do not give syrup of ipecac or if you do give only one dose as it can be toxic to the heart.

If the clinic is less than 30 minutes away, it is preferable to take the animal directly there to induce vomiting. The veterinarian can induce vomiting more quickly and safely with injectable emetics (drugs that induce vomiting).

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Roady ingested an unknown number of tablets of ibuprofen. I called the vet and they said to bring him in right away. They induced vomiting by inserting a tablet of apomorphine in the lower eye lid so that once he started vomiting the drug could be removed. Then we made him swallow charcoal.

Here's a case of aspiration pneumonia not responsive to antibiotics in children who aspirated olive oil. They also mention same could occur with butter. Olive Oil Aspiration Pneumonia (lipoid) in Children