Rat Poisoning in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

As a dog owner, keeping your furry friend safe is always a top priority. But did you know that common household rat poisons can pose a serious threat to your pet’s health? Accidental ingestion can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, can be fatal. Understanding the risks, recognizing symptoms early, and taking preventative measures can help protect your dog from harm.

Why Is Rat Poison Dangerous for Dogs?

Rat poisons are designed to be highly effective at eliminating rodents, but unfortunately, they don’t discriminate between pests and pets. Many of these products contain anticoagulants, which prevent blood from clotting and can lead to internal bleeding. Others may contain neurotoxins that affect the nervous system or metal phosphides that can cause severe poisoning.

The tricky part? Symptoms don’t always appear right away. This means that by the time you notice something is wrong, the poison may have already started affecting your dog’s health. That’s why being aware and proactive is so important.

Common Types of Rat Poison and What They Look Like

Rat poisons come in different forms, and knowing what to look out for can help you identify potential dangers. Here are some common types:

• Anticoagulant Rodenticides: Usually found in pellet, grain, or powder form. These are often brightly colored and may attract curious dogs.
• Neurotoxic Rodenticides: Often appear as soft, moist baits that resemble dog treats or are available in liquid form.
• Metal Phosphides: Typically found in tablets or bait stations, resembling small pills.

Signs of Rat Poisoning in Dogs

Spotting symptoms early can make all the difference in getting your dog the treatment they need. Here’s what to watch for:

• Vomiting and diarrhea: Often the first signs that something is wrong.
• Lethargy and weakness: Your dog may seem unusually tired or unwilling to move.
• Unusual behavior: Anxiety, disorientation, or even seizures could indicate poisoning.
• Pale gums or difficulty breathing: A sign of internal bleeding that requires immediate veterinary attention.

As Veronica Higgs, DVM explained this further in the PetMD article: “Clinical signs of cholecalciferol rodenticides are related to the hardening of soft tissues, with the kidneys being most susceptible, and may include:

• Weakness
• Anorexia/vomiting
• Increased thirst and increased urination (which may be a sign of acute kidney failure)

Clinical signs of bromethalin rodenticides are related to the effects on the brain, and can include:

• Lack of coordination/stumbling
• Tremors/seizures
• Paralysis

Clinical signs of zinc and aluminum phosphides will be related to the toxic phosphine gas that is produced. The gas itself is corrosive and can damage multiple organs. Clinical signs with this active ingredient can occur within minutes, and in severe cases, death can occur in as little as 5 hours after exposure. Clinical signs may include:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting (may be bloody)
• Diarrhea (may be bloody)
• Lack of coordination/weakness
• Tremor/seizures           
• Trouble breathing
• Stomach bloating/abdominal pain

Phosphine gas has an odor of decaying fish or garlic and is extremely toxic to humans as well as pets.  If your pet vomits on the way to the veterinarian, be sure to roll down the windows (safely) for maximum ventilation. Any symptomatic person should seek advice from human poison control or medical professionals.”

How Quickly Do Symptoms Appear?

The timeline for rat poison symptoms depends on the type of poison:

• Within a few hours: Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy may occur.
• 12-24 hours: Internal bleeding may begin, though not always visible.
• 24-48 hours: More severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, pale gums, or seizures can develop.
• Beyond 48 hours: Without treatment, long-term effects like organ damage or life-threatening conditions may set in.

What to Do If Your Dog Ingests Rat Poison

If you suspect that your dog has eaten rat poison, take action immediately:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation: Look for packaging or remnants of the poison to identify what type your dog may have consumed.
2. Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic: Provide as much information as possible, including the type of poison, how much was ingested, and when it happened.
3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed: Certain poisons can cause more harm if vomited back up. Always follow your vet’s guidance.
4. Monitor your dog’s condition: Keep an eye on their behavior and symptoms while waiting for professional help.

Preventing Rat Poison Exposure: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Prevention is always the best approach. Here are some steps you can take to keep your dog safe:

• Store poisons securely: Keep them locked away in cabinets or high shelves your pet can’t reach.
• Opt for pet-friendly alternatives: Consider humane traps or natural deterrents like peppermint oil instead of toxic chemicals.
• Regularly inspect your home and yard: Look for any signs of rodent activity and remove hazards before they become problematic.
• Educate your household: Make sure everyone in your home understands the dangers of rat poison and the importance of keeping it out of reach.
• Talk to your neighbors: If you live in a community where rodenticides are used, raising awareness about pet safety can help prevent accidental poisonings.

Treatment of Rat Poisoning in Dogs

Veronica Higgs, DVM, further explained: “Dogs should be treated as soon as possible for rat poisoning. Treatment will vary based on the active ingredient involved, so it is extremely important to determine the type of rat poison.

For most active ingredients, the vet will likely induce vomiting. (If the active ingredients include zinc and aluminum phosphides, the vet may induce vomiting in a well-ventilated area because of the risk to people. Activated charcoal may be given to treat other toxins.

After vomiting, treatment will depend on the specific active ingredient ingested:

• For anticoagulant rodenticide, treatment will include at least 4 weeks of oral vitamin K as well as hospitalization for IV fluids, plasma and/or blood transfusions, and additional supportive care (such as oxygen therapy, gastrointestinal support, and antiemetics to reduce nausea and vomiting).
   
• There is no antidote if a dog has swallowed rat poison with either cholecalciferol or bromethalin. Hospitalization is likely in both cases with IV treatment. Dogs that have swallowed cholecalciferol will also be treated to reduce calcium levels. Dogs swallowing bromethalin will be treated to decrease brain swelling.
   
• Poisoning by zinc and aluminum phosphide rodenticides includes antacids and similar medications to decrease the production and effects of the deadly phosphine gas. Additionally, liver protectant medicine and medications to treat tremors or seizures may be needed.”

Pet-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Rat Poisons

If you need to control rodents but want to keep your pet safe, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional poisons:

• Humane traps: These capture rodents without harming them, allowing for safe relocation.
• Natural deterrents: Scents like peppermint oil can repel rodents without posing a risk to pets.
• Keeping your home clean: Reducing clutter and food sources can make your home less appealing to pests.
• Sealing entry points: Closing off gaps and holes can prevent rodents from getting inside in the first place.

How Can Pet Insurance Help You if Your Dog Needs a Treatment?

Pet insurance can be a valuable tool in managing the costs of treating a dog’s veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can provide medical care for your furry companion without worrying about the financial burden. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even specialized treatments if required.

Reimbursement

This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.

• You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
• You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
• Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer. 
• After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. 

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• 24/7 Televet Chat
• Emergency vet visits
• Overnight hospital stays
• IV Fluids & Medications
• Medical Supplies
• Surgeries
• MRI/CAT Scans
• Rehabilitative Care
• Prescription Medications
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Laboratory Tests

Accident-Only Plan

The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible. 

Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:

• Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
• Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
• Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.

The Wellness Add-on Plan

The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available: 

 Basic Plan:

• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $305 per year.

Plus Plan:

• Ideal for puppies and kittens.
• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $535 per year.