Rat and mouse poisons, also known as rodenticides, are products formulated to kill rodents. The chemicals used in these products are often highly toxic to dogs and can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, organ damage and even death if eaten by your dog.
Eating rat poison is potentially life-threatening, especially for very small dogs. The rat poison interferes with the production of blood clotting factors, and three to five days afterward, dogs will start to bleed into different body cavities. Without intensive care including a plasma transfusion, it is often fatal.
Unfortunately, it is relatively common dogs for dogs to sniff out and eat rat poison if it is accessible. Once ingested, the poison can cause a range of symptoms, from vomiting to organ failure, and without treatment, a dog is likely to die.
The ASPCA Poison Control estimates that 25 percent of poisoned pets recover within two hours. Even with treatment, one in 100 poisoned pets will die.
Signs may include bleeding from the gums, blood in the stool (or black tarry stool), blood in the urine, lethargy, weakness, coughing, shortness of breath, seizures, difficulty walking and potentially sudden death.
Depending on the type of poisoning, dogs may take weeks or months to recuperate, and some dogs may have permanent organ damage after recovery.
One of the most common treatment options for poisoning in dogs is inducing vomiting. Other treatment may include medication to reduce pain and symptoms, overnight monitoring, or IV's for flushing out the toxins in the system. The cost of treatment can vary from $250 to $5,000.
Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog's skin comes in contact with a poisonous substance typical symptoms include irritation and pain.
If your pet has ingested a poison, try to rinse or wipe out the mouth with a damp towel/flannel. Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink before speaking with the Animal Poisons Helpline or a vet.
Some common symptoms to watch for include foaming at the mouth, lethargy, shaking or unusual movements, upset stomach, unusual swelling, pale gums, or behavioral changes. If you notice your dog displaying any of these symptoms, or if you suspect your dog ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.
If your pet has ingested rodent poison, their gums will be pale and often the gums will bleed as well. Also make sure to check for nose bleeds. Firm (swollen) abdomen: Check for a firm or distended belly. Rat poison causes internal bleeding and this would normally cause the abdomen to swell.
Affected dogs show signs 30 minutes to 4 hours after ingesting the poison. Initially affected dogs become anxious and have an elevated body temperature. Panting is usually seen. Progressively they become worse and staggery.
If he eats a large amount or gets exposed to an anticoagulant repeatedly, symptoms may start sooner. A fatal dose depends on the type of toxin and the amount used. The good news is that this type of rodenticide has a high survival rate when treated quickly. In one study, 98.7% of dogs survived.
No. Milk is unlikely to be helpful in the vast majority of poisoning situations and can sometimes make things worse. Most pets are lactose intolerant and giving milk can cause or worsen stomach upset symptoms.
It can take as long as 10 days for a rodent to die after consuming rodenticides. During this time, they can experience nosebleeds and blood in their urine and feces and also can develop mange. They may even become an easier target for some predators as their health fails.
Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
Agitation. Tremors. Convulsions. Nausea and/or vomiting.
In studies with rats for example, 89% of the dose left the body within 4 days. However, as time progresses, bromadiolone tends to leave the body at a much slower rate. The half-life during this second stage has been reported to be as long as 170 days.
Many dog owners do not realize rat poison has been placed by their landlord or an exterminator until an emergency room veterinarian suspects rodenticide intoxication. A blood test showing abnormal blood clotting can confirm the diagnosis. Anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication can be successfully treated.
Marijuana toxicity is the most common toxicity seen in dogs. Just like the other items listed above, if your dog has ingested any form of illicit drug, it's important that they be seen by a vet immediately.
The most frequent causes of dog death and pet disease among old dogs are cancer, cardiac failure, and renal (kidney) failure. In younger dogs, bloat, and immune-mediated diseases are significant.
The clinical signs of more advanced kidney failure include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and very bad breath. Occasionally, ulcers will be found in the mouth.
Look for blood and severe irregularities in your dog's urine and stool. The toxins in most rat poisons cause internal bleeding, which may manifest in bodily excretions. Unusual discoloration of your dog's stool, like green or blue, may be undigested dye from the poison.
Whilst catching a mouse or a rat may be a natural activity for cats and in some cases, dogs, eating rodents can have undesirable consequences on our pets. Dangers include infection from intestinal worms and/or toxoplasmosis as well as the possibility of suffering from secondary rat bait poisoning.