Rat poisoning is a serious problem for dogs because rodenticide has an enticing flavor, designed to attract rodents. You may already know that rat poison is dangerous for dogs, but not everyone understands that ingesting even a small amount can be deadly. 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. So, it's crucial to prevent your pet from coming into contact with this toxic substance.
There are several different varieties of rat poison on the market. The toxic effects of rat poisoning depend upon the active ingredients in the substance ingested by the dog. Be aware that different types of rat poison have different toxic doses, so poisoning can manifest itself in a variety of ways. There is no type of rat poison that is considered "dog safe."
Most rodenticides have a grain or sugar base, making them taste good to rodents as well as dogs, cats, and other animals. They often come in pellets, blocks, granules, or liquids. Rat poison may be any color but is commonly teal, blue, green, or pink. Unfortunately, the color and shape of a particular rat poison cannot help you determine the active ingredient. The only way to be certain which chemical is in the rat poison is to read the packaging.
Depending on the type of poison ingested, various symptoms can manifest, all of which are serious and potentially fatal.
The toxic chemicals in rat poison wreak havoc on a dog's internal organs and neurological system. Vomiting is often one of the initial symptoms of poisoning since the stomach is the first organ contacted by the substance. Once the toxin has entered the dog's bloodstream, it can not only cause internal bleeding from damaged blood vessels but also signs of neurological distress (tremors, ataxia, seizures), cardiac abnormalities (palpitations, arrhythmia, heart failure), and irreparable renal failure.
There are several types of rodenticides on the market. Each has different toxic effects.
Note that if your dog eats a rodent, there is a possibility the dog will be exposed to rat poison. In this case, it's best to be cautious and contact your vet.
If you suspect that your dog has consumed rat poison, contact the nearest open veterinary facility immediately. In most cases, you will need to get your dog to the veterinarian right away. If the poison was recently ingested, your vet will ask you to confirm the type of rodenticide.
Before heading to the veterinarian's office, gather the following items, if available:
If the ingestion was recent enough, the vet will first induce vomiting (do not induce vomiting at home unless directed to do so by your veterinarian). Next, the vet may administer activated charcoal by mouth. Activated charcoal prevents toxins from being absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.
Depending on the time of poison ingestion and the amount ingested, your vet may need to run diagnostic tests to look for signs of toxicity in the blood. The vet may also need to administer additional treatments to your dog.
In some cases, your dog may need to be admitted to the hospital for advanced tests and treatments. The prognosis depends on the type of chemical in the rat poison, the amount eaten, and the time that has passed since ingestion.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is usually poor if a dog is showing severe signs of toxicity such as neurological, renal, or cardiac problems. At this point, it is difficult to stop the course of poisoning, and a dog is likely to die.
Time is of the essence after a dog has eaten rat poison. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect exposure to rodenticide.
The best way to prevent rodenticide toxicity is to avoid keeping rat poison on your property. However, your dog may still be able to find rat poison elsewhere. Unfortunately, dogs seem to have a way of finding rat poison on their own.
To prevent your dog from eating rat poison placed out by neighbors or businesses near your home, be sure to supervise your dog at all times when not on your property. Keep your dog indoors or in a securely fenced-in yard when you are not home. Never allow your dog to roam free.
If you absolutely must use rat poison on your property, never place it in an area where your dog can access it. Always keep the packaging just in case your dog manages to find the poison. Before using rat poison, carefully consider the risk. A safer choice is to contact a professional and ask about pet-safe options.
Bear in mind that your dog may find a way to consume rat poison or another toxin without your knowledge. Be sure to contact your vet any time your dog shows signs of illness.
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