What is Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison?
Poisoning due to ingesting rat poison is
a common canine health problem, and also an extremely serious one. But because the signs of poisoning and its onset
may vary depending on the kind of poison and the ingested dosage, it's critical to identify the exact type of rodenticide. Treatment of the wrong kind of intoxication may result in death.
There are three common types of rat poisons that are toxic to dogs: cholecalciferol, bromethalin and anticoagulant rodenticides. They are all extremely dangerous to dogs and have the potential to lead to life-threatening conditions and even death.
Cholecalciferol raises the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the dog’s system, which can lead to kidney failure and death if not treated properly and promptly. Bromethalin poisoning causes swelling of the brain, while anticoagulant rodenticides poisoning prevents the dog’s blood from clotting, which results in severe and uncontrollable bleeding.
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Symptoms of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
The symptoms you need to watch for vary depending on the type of rat poison your dog ingests.
Cholecalciferol
- Signs manifest between 4-36 hours after ingestion
- Increased drinking and urinating
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Dehydration
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Depression
- Fatigue
Bromethalin
- Large doses - signs manifest within 24 hours
- Severe muscle tremors
- Hyperthermia
- Extreme hyper-excitability
- Focal or generalized seizures
- Lower doses - signs manifest within 1-3 days
Anticoagulant rodenticides
- Signs manifest within 3-7 days
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding gums and/or pale gums
- Bruising
Causes of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
There are 2 causes of rat poison toxicity in dogs:
- Eating the rat poison
- Secondary exposure (eating a rodent intoxicated with rodenticide)
Diagnosis of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
If you think your dog has ingested rat poison, seek professional help immediately. If your dog has vomited, bring a sample of the vomit to your veterinarian.
Most importantly, if you have found the poison itself, take it (along with any packaging) to the veterinarian's office too as it will significantly shorten the time your veterinarian needs to make a diagnosis. The sooner the vet knows which poison has been ingested, the sooner they can start treating your dog.
Cholecalciferol poisoning
Dogs that have been exposed to this kind of rat poison will first exhibit the abovementioned signs within 36 hours, followed by nausea, vomiting, and hematemesis (vomiting blood). Your vet will conduct a baseline biochemistry profile, which includes the analysis of both the blood plasma and other body fluids, to check the dog’s calcium and phosphorus levels, confirm the diagnosis, and monitor the condition of the dog.Bromethalin poisoning
Dogs that have been exposed to bromethalin usually develop signs within 1-7 days of ingesting the poison. Dogs are diagnosed based off their history of exposure to the toxin, and clinical signs.Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning
Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning can be diagnosed in a number of ways, including assessing blood clotting times.Treatment of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
Cholecalciferol poisoning
If you are absolutely sure that your dog has ingested this type of rat poison in the previous 4 hours, you could induce vomiting yourself, under the advice of your veterinarian. However, do not attempt to induce vomiting if you are not certain that your dog has been exposed to cholecalciferol, or if they have already vomited.
Where possible, have your vet induce vomiting. This is more effective and safer.
Since your dog will most likely be dehydrated as a result of cholecalciferol poisoning, it’s of utmost importance to make sure that they are taking in enough water and that they are able to retain the fluid. Since this type of poison doesn’t have an antidote, your vet will administer IV fluids and diuretics, steroids, and other drugs to lower the calcium levels in the dog's body. To prevent kidney failure, it’s crucial to start the treatment as soon as possible.
Bromethalin poisoning
The first step to treating bromethalin poisoning is to decontaminate the dog’s digestive system, which includes inducing vomiting and then administering IV fluids and other medications to lower the risk of brain swelling.Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning
Since anticoagulant rodenticides can cause uncontrolled bleeding, the treatment includes administering blood or frozen plasma if needed. Veterinarians also give dogs vitamin K as an antidote, as the vitamin encourages normal blood clotting. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t force vomiting unless you have been given specific instructions by your veterinarian.
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Recovery of Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs
Cholecalciferol poisoning
Following the first 2 or 3 days, which are most critical when this type of poisoning is concerned, your vet will monitor your dog's calcium and phosphorus levels for 2-6 weeks after exposure or until they have returned back to baseline. Kidney function will be monitored during that period as well.Bromethalin poisoning
To prevent your dog from suffering from anorexia after bromethalin poisoning, include feeding supplements in their daily diet. It will take them some time to fully recover from the toxicosis, so taking them for regular check-ups is a must.Anticoagulant rodenticides
Depending on the dosage ingested, your dog may recover within a period ranging from 1 week to 1 month. In that time period, it’s vital to monitor their condition and report any signs of illness to your vet.
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Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $15,000
Average Cost
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Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd
Four Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Think she got into rat/mouse poison. We have a German Shepard and a mastiff mix. How can I tell if they ate it and will they die ? Poison was old a d they both are a packet of Tom Kat
Feb. 9, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
8 Recommendations
Hello, it may be a few hours before you see any signs. These can cause neuro issues or bleeding disorders depending on the ingredient in the one that they possibly could have eaten. It would be best for them to see the ER vet right away, they can induce vomiting and start your dog on the treatment for the specific toxin.
Feb. 9, 2021
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Pit Bull
Two Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Throw Up
How do I get it out his mouth
July 23, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I'm not sure, from your email, what you were trying to get out of your dog's mouth If he is continuing to vomit, it would be best to have him seen by your veterinarian. If there is something in his mouth, it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian so that they can get that out of his mouth. Otherwise, I'm not sure what exactly is going on with your dog, but if you are not sure, Veterinary Care is always the best option. I hope that all goes well.
July 23, 2020
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Mutt
Five Months
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Urinating In House
Fully potty trained, but. ingested Bromethalin six days ago. Emergency vet induced vomiting and administered charcoal. Acted fine all week, but today has been lethargic and peed in the house twice.
Could this still be a result of the poison? The levels of the Bromethalin were very low in his blood.
July 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
That is a neurologic toxin, and can be quite serious, as I'm sure you are aware. If your puppy is lethargic and urinating in the house, it might be best to have a recheck with your veterinarian. They may want to recheck levels in the blood, or run some routine lab work to see what's going on. I would be concerned about that toxin lingering in the system, yes. I hope that everything goes well for your dog.
July 20, 2020
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Pointer mix
Bo
2 Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tired And Lethargic
Dog pooped something bright green so took him to emergency vet who was sure he had eaten a sachet of Warfarin based poison (we had put some down). Gave him 60ml of Vit K and 28 day supply of Vit K pills. He has been very lethargic ever since (3 days now) but appetite OK. Is this the effect of the poison still or a reaction to the Vitamin K? - Should also mention it is 30+ degrees here so that may also be affecting him.
July 14, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
Lethargy would not be a side effect of the medication, and may be due to the poisoning or the heat. If he does not continue to improve, it would be a good idea to have him rechecked by you veterinarian to make sure that he is okay.
July 14, 2018
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Mutt
At
1 Year
17 found this helpful
17 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Poisoning
Pup act an anticoagulant rat poison called the back went to the emergency vet within 12 hours of poisoning. We have been subscribed vitamin K1 for the month. She's been fine so far but is there anything I can do at home to help with the healing process. I have powder immunity strengthener in her food. Should I give her foods that are also high in vitman k? Any tips so I can increase her chances of avoiding clotting and death?
June 17, 2018
17 Recommendations
You should continue with the vitamin K1 as prescribed by your Veterinarian which is normally enough if there are no signs of poisoning presenting; during and after the course of treatment, prothrombin time should be measured by your Veterinarian to ensure that blood is clotting the way it should do. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 17, 2018
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Pit bull
Lilly
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
Lethargy
Weakness
Pale Gums
My 8 year old Pit mix ingested rat poison and has been given a vitamin K shot, 3 blood and plasma transfusions, and tons of IV fluids. When we took her in initially she wasn’t able to eat or even get up and walk. She had a low temp of 92, a low BP value, pale gums, and sensitive stomach. She was very weak and had blood pooling around her eye (that’s initially what we noticed with her condition) I’ve been told she is acting more alert and eating, her vitals are normal again but even after all the transfusions she is still not clotting how they want. What’s next? We are up to $4000 in a vet bill and I’m scared we can’t afford to keep doing the transfusions. Will anything work at this point? Is this normal?
Siberian Husky
Kasia
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Thirsty
Wobbly
So I just returned from the vet, my dog collapsed today for no reason that we know of. She wouldnt get up and was only just responsive, she was wobbly on her legs, but drank water when i got her to a water bowl.
The vet did scans and said her heart was fine, lungs fine, gas in intestines. Bloods came back only slight anaemia, and something wrong with her liver. He flooded her with IV fluid, and antibiotics and another drug to help her liver. He was unsure what could have caused it. When i was leaving he asked if she may have gotten in to some rat poison, but the last time she would have been near any would have been almost 4 weeks ago, surely it wouldnt have taken that long to show symptoms? I'm so confused....
Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $15,000
Average Cost
$8,000
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