There are several types of rat poison, each causing a different set of symptoms in dogs. Modern products are less toxic, but ingestion of large amounts can still be deadly.With most types of poison ingestion, emptying the stomach within 1-2 hours and treatment to prevent absorption into the body are the best options. See a vet straight away if you think your pet has ingested rat poison.

What is rat poison intoxication in dogs?

Rat poisons are products used to prevent or eliminate a rat infestation. Unlike insects and slugs, however, rats are metabolically very similar to dogs, so products that are appealing and toxic to rats may be so to dogs as well.

• Modern products are carefully formulated to reduce this risk, but intoxication is still possible if large amounts of poison are ingested.

• Rat poison is available in various forms, including pellets, hard blocks, soft baits, and occasionally foam. These are often housed in specially designed traps that only allow access to rats and similarly sized animals, helping to prevent accidental ingestion by non-target species. But given the opportunity, dogs may be able to destroy the trap and ingest the poison.

• Intoxication from consuming a poisoned rat is theoretically possible but very unlikely. However, most of these poisons accumulate in the body, so the risk of poisoning increases with repeated ingestion of poisoned rats.

The most common types of rat poison are:

• Anticoagulants: prevent blood from clotting and often lead to internal bleeding. This type of poison acts slowly, with symptoms starting only after 48-72 hours. They stay in the body for weeks and require treatment with an antidote until they are cleared.

• Vitamin D: in very high doses disrupts calcium metabolism, causing damage to the internal organs after 12-36 hours. There is no antidote, and treatment with an intravenous drip and medication is crucial.

• Bromethalin: affects the brain directly, often leading to paralysis and sometimes coma. Symptoms usually start after 2-7 days. There is no antidote, and intensive care is often required.

• Phosphides: fast-acting (15 minutes to 18 hours). Symptoms usually start with severe vomiting, but multiple organs can be affected. There is no antidote; intensive care and monitoring are required for at least 18 hours.

See a vet straight away if you think your pet has ingested rat poison.

Symptoms of rat poison intoxication in dogs

Symptoms will depend on the product ingested. If a dog has ingested rat poison and is vomiting, the dye used to colour the bait may be visible in the vomit or stool.

Anticoagulants:

• Coughing, breathlessness or trouble breathing (due to bleeding in the lungs)

• Bleeding from the nose

• Vomiting and diarrhoea with blood (vomit may look like ground coffee, and stools may be black and tarry)

• Bruises and red spots on gums and skin. Gums may also turn pale.

• Swollen joints

• Weakness or lack of energy

• Blood in urine

• Seizures

• Collapse

Vitamin D:

• Lack of energy

• Weakness

• Lack of appetite

• Vomiting, sometimes with blood

• Excessive thirst

• Excessive urination

• Diarrhoea, sometimes black or tarry

• Constipation

• Seizures

• Muscle tremors

• Sudden kidney failure

Bromethalin:

• Lack of appetite

• Trouble moving or uncoordination

• Severe weakness or paralysis

• Tremors

• Seizures

Phosphides:

• This poison has a distinct and strong odour, somewhat like rotten fish or garlic

• Sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood

• Trouble moving or uncoordination

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Generalised pain

• Trouble breathing

Dogs at higher risk for rat poison intoxication

• All dogs can suffer from rat poison intoxication, but smaller dogs more easily ingest dangerous amounts.

• Young dogs are more likely to explore and eat new things, increasing the risk of ingesting poisons.

Diagnosis of rat poison intoxication in dogs

Diagnosis of rat poison intoxication is usually based on a history of possible ingestion along with the presence of clinical symptoms. Specific tests for these poisons are not widely available, but:

• Anticoagulant toxicity can be suspected from how it affects blood coagulation tests.

• Vitamin D toxicity can be suspected from how it affects blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Tests may be necessary to check for organ damage, such as blood tests and x-rays.

Veterinary treatment of rat poison intoxication

• The first and most important step in treating intoxication is stopping the poison from entering the blood and organs. If rat poison was ingested, the stomach should be emptied as quickly as possible, ideally within 30-90 minutes. This can be done by injection or by pumping the stomach under anaesthesia. The exception to this is cases of Phosphide poisoning, as this itself causes sudden and severe vomiting.

• The next step is usually administering activated charcoal. This sticks to the poison in the gut and prevents it from being absorbed. Large amounts are needed, and so a high-strength veterinary product is best. This may be needed for up to three days.

• Dogs often need intensive hospital care for 1-3 days to control the symptoms and help the body eliminate the poison.

• Dogs that have ingested anticoagulant poisons can be given high doses of vitamin K as an antidote. This needs to be continued until the poison is eliminated from the body, which can take 4 weeks or more. Blood tests can be done to check when it is safe to stop the antidote.

Home treatment of rat poison toxicity in dogs

Always contact a vet for advice immediately if you think your pet has ingested rat poison. Most cases of direct ingestion require immediate emergency care.

Prevention of rat poison intoxication in dogs

• Do not use rat poison products if you can avoid it.

• Monitor your dog closely when out and about.

• If your dog is prone to eating things they shouldn’t, consider using a basket muzzle.

Living with rat poison intoxication in dogs

If absorption of the poison can be prevented, dogs will not suffer any ill effects. Unfortunately, if organ damage develops, especially when affecting the kidneys or brain, dogs may be left with long-term complications. This will vary from case to case.

When to worry about rat poison intoxication in dogs

Always speak to a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested rat poison, so the risk can be assessed and treatment advice given. If your dog develops any of the following symptoms, see a vet as soon as possible:

• Weakness or collapse

• Trouble breathing

• Bleeding from the nose

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea with blood

• Unexplained bruising

• Excessive drinking and urination