Poisoning Due to Ingesting Rat Poison in Dogs

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.

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
• Hind limb ataxia
• Paresis or paralysis
• CNS depression

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

There are 2 causes of rat poison toxicity in dogs:

• Eating the rat poison
• Secondary exposure (eating a rodent intoxicated with rodenticide)

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

Bromethalin poisoning

Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning

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

Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning

Cholecalciferol poisoning

Bromethalin poisoning

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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