Rat Poison Is Deadly

Pets may be poisoned directly from baited feed, or indirectly by eating poisoned rats.

There are three broad categories of rat poison, as follows:

• Bromadiolone and brodifacoum, highly toxic rodent baits, are anti-coagulants which thin the blood and stop the clotting process. This often results in normal minor bleeding (from a scratch or small wound) becoming uncontrollable bleeding. (Other anti-coagulants such as warfarin, coumafuryl, and coumachlor are still used but, unlike the above, will not kill rodents with a single 'feeding'.)

  The first visible signs of anti-coagulant rat poisoning are blood in your dog's stool or urine, bleeding from the nose or under the skin. Other symptoms are anaemia, weakness, depresion and anorexia.

  Ingestion of anticoagulants is the most common form of dog poisoning seen by vets.

• Cholecalciferol rodent baits (vitamin D) raise calcium to dangerous levels causing symptoms such as depression, anorexia, excessive thirst, and heart problems.
• Bromethalin is a non-anticoagulant which affects the brain and attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms show as loss of coordination, excitability, muscle tremors, hind limb weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting, anorexia, seizures and death.

There are many other chemicals used in poisons to kill rats, several of which are named below:

Strychnine

Strychnine very quickly affects the nervous system and can cause your dog to become agitated, excited, and confused, followed by painful seizures which cause the dog's head to be thrown back involuntarily making it difficult to breathe.

If know your dog has ingested strychnine, don't delay, call your vet immediately. He may advise you not to touch your dog, as even the slightest touch can trigger a seizure - your vet may want to come directly to you.

Seizures caused by strychinine poisoning have often been mistakenly diagnosed as epilepsy.

Zinc Phosphide

Ingestion of zinc phosphide (also present in rat toxins) can affect the nervous system. It can produce vomiting, (which may smell of acetylene) abdominal pain, and aimless running and howling, followed by depression, and convulsions (which may resemble those seen in strychnine poisoning).

Zinc poisoning can also cause panting and problems with breathing. Death is usually due to respiratory arrest.

Sodium Fluroacetate

Sodium Fluroacetate may also be in some rat poisons and is extremely potent; it can kill fairly quickly if ingested.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another toxin used in rat and rodent poisons. The first signs of poisoning may be staggering (your dog appears 'drunk'), vomiting, and diarrhoea, which may appear to settle down, but will begin again and may include pain in the abdomen, and convulsions. Your dog may even go into a coma.

Typical Rat Poisoning Symptoms In Dogs

Some symptoms typical of rat or rodent poisoning are as follows:

• Pale gums
• Drooling
• Bleeding nose
• Blood in the urine and faeces
• Fever
• Cough
• Weakness and fatigue
• Muscle Tremors
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Breathing problems
• Internal bleeding
• Swollen, firm abdomen

Important Note:

We would like to point out that the chemicals and toxins mentioned in this article do not represent a complete list of poisonous substances harmful to your dog.

Additionally, there may be more symptoms present than we list - the information given here is intended simply as a guide.

If you believe your dog has ingested any form of rat poison, contact your veterinary clinic immediately. Even though your dog may not yet be showing signs of poisoning, or even signs of being ill, you should contact your vet, as early diagnosis can mean successful treatment.

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