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Poison Danger: What To Do If Your Pet Eats Rat Poison

September 29, 2020

Written by Brooke Coutts, CVT

A common case we see coming into the Emergency Department are pets that have gotten into rat poison or mouse poison, also known as rodenticides. It ranks #7 for most common cat poisons according to the Pet Poison Helpline! Dogs often sniff out the bait or the packaging, and cats (indoor & outdoor) often end up eating a rodent that has ingested poison.

When a dog or cat accidentally eats rat bait, it is very important to be sure of what type of rat poison they have eaten. There are 3 common ingredients in rat poisons each requiring different treatment, so knowing which type your pet got into is critical.

What do you do if you suspect your pet may have eaten rodenticide
  • Call your local veterinarian OR head straight to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital.
    • You may be asked to call ASPCA Poison Control: here’s why.
  • Gather all the information you can about the rat poison: take a picture of the packaging and ingredients list.
The dangerous ingredients found in rat and mouse poisons

Warfarin, Bromethalin, and Cholecalciferol are the 3 dangerous ingredients commonly seen in rat baits.

Warfarin

Warfarin is an anticoagulant compound that reduces the body’s ability to clot blood normally, leading to internal bleeding.

Symptoms: Immediate ingestion of anticoagulant rodenticides (Warfarin) typically does not cause symptoms. Occasionally, an animal may vomit. Since many of these rodenticides are green in color, the vomit may also be green. Exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides may lead to clinical signs of bleeding after 3-4 days. The symptoms depend on where bleeding occurs.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Visible external bleeding
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Pale gums
  • Difficulty breathing

Bromethalin

Bromethalin is a neurotoxin that can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. Bromethalin ingestion can lead to 2 distinct syndromes – acute and chronic.

Acute symptoms: May develop within 4-36 hours of high-dose exposure:

  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Hyperexcitability
  • Weakness, with progression to paralysis
  • Acute death

Chronic Symptoms: May develop up to 7 days after acute exposure. May also occur after chronic, low-dose exposures:

  • Weakness
  • Ataxia (wobbly gait)
  • Seizures (less likely)

Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol contains large amount of vitamin D. This vitamin can be found in diet supplements or in certain rat baits. This causes too much calcium and phosphorus to build up in the blood. Death can occur if severe electrolyte abnormalities develop, usually from mineral deposits in internal organs.

Symptoms:

  • Poor appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Neurologic signs (seizures or muscle twitching)
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Inability to concentrate urine

More severe signs including kidney failure and death due to severe electrolyte abnormalities developing from mineral deposits in internal organs.

Pet-safe alternatives to rat bait

If you have pets at home and a pest problem, please look into pet-safe alternatives to rodenticides. It’s just not worth the risk! Here are some safer alternatives:

  • Mechanical traps
  • Eliminate the source that’s attracting the rodents into your home
  • Seal any entryways that the rats/mice are using
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Related Posts

  • When To Call Animal Poison Control
    Read Article
  • Bromethalin Toxicity in Dogs and Cats
    Read Article
Bulger Veterinary Hospital
978-725-5544 | 141 Winthrop Ave. Lawrence, MA 01843
  • 24-HR ER: 978-725-5544
  • Our Services
    • Anesthesia & Pain Management
    • Cardiology
    • Dentistry
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Emergency/Critical Care
    • Exotics
    • Internal Medicine
    • Ophthalmology
    • Surgery
    • Primary Pet Care
      • Kitten Kit
      • Puppy Pack
      • Senior Pet Care
    • Theriogenology (Reproductive Health)
    • Compounding Pharmacy
    • Veterinary Urgent Care Near Here
  • For Your Pet
    • Client Registration Form
    • Curbside Emergency Care
    • Emergencies + Appointments
    • Client Portal
    • When Your Pet is a Patient
    • Pet Insurance
    • Payment Options
    • Online Store
    • End of Life Arrangements
    • Clinical Studies
  • For Veterinary Teams
    • Submit Referrals
    • At a Glance
    • Ethos Materials for Clinics
    • Continuing Education
    • VetBloom CE
    • Clinical Studies
    • Compounding Pharmacy
  • About Us
    • Our Hospital
    • Our Team
    • Giving Back
    • Why Ethos
    • Ethos Discovery
    • Press Releases
    • Contact Us
  • Blogs & Videos
    • Our Blogs
    • PAWEDcasts
  • We’re Hiring!
    • Apply Today
    • Ethos Job Fairs
    • Benefits and Perks
    • Veterinary Training Programs
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