Rodenticide Toxicity in Dogs can happen to any pup, and given the growing number of rats and rat exterminators in our cities, there is an increasingly high chance that it might happen to your dog. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss exactly what signs you should look for if your dog has ingested enough of the toxins that are meant to be able to kill a small rodent.
Because we can assure you…
Even though you might be the most “careful” owner out there, it doesn’t even have to be you that is careless; it could be your neighbor that is responsible for accidentally poisoning your dog entirely by accident!
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
What is rodenticide toxicity in dogs?
Rodenticide Toxicity is caused when your dog gets into some bait traps or ingests something laced with rat or rodent poison. And while you may believe your dog is too smart to do something like this, let us assure you that it is not completely unheard of for “terriers” or other dog breeds who have been bred to hunt vermin, to ingest the rat that has been poisoned itself and therefore become sick.
To make matters worse…
These baits are often available in multiple forms utilizing either a coagulant or anti-coagulant combination of drugs designed to kill. And, as with any poisoning, your vet will need to know the exact chemical compounds in the particular poison your dog has ingested before they can effectively treat it.
So…
If your dog comes down with a sudden case of rodenticide toxicity and you can trace down the packaging of the poison, please be sure to provide this information to your vet as soon as possible so they can begin the proper treatment plan immediately. Otherwise, your vet will have to do a process of elimination ruling out each of the four main classes of rodent poisons that are commonly available within the United States, starting with:
The first is poisoning…
Via Aluminum, Calcium, and Zinc Phosphides. These cause liver damage by releasing poisonous gases inside the dog, causing severe abdominal pain that ultimately results in death as the liver is slowly poisoned.
The second class of poisoning…
It is caused by the Anticoagulants found in most rat poisons. These thin the blood over time and prevent your dog from clotting wounds. It may cause internal or external spontaneous bleeding.
Unfortunately…
There are almost no clinical signs of this type of poisoning, but it can kill your dog weeks or months after ingestion. Because this poison variant relies on Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, a super strong dose of Vitamin K1 can mend your dog. However, it has to be administered in time – so if you notice any abnormal bleeding bouts, get to the vet immediately.
Cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3…
It is the third type of poison and is being used more and more commonly. It has no antidote and quickly kills the kidneys. This type of rat poison is hazardous for pets but is sadly appearing more and more frequently.
Bromethalin is the…
The final variant of rodenticide toxicity brings on cerebral edema and only takes the tiniest amount to cause death in pets. It also has no known cure.
All four of these variants…
Have different clinical signs, making them more challenging to treat but easier to diagnose.
Zinc will cause…
- a swollen abdomen that is painful to the touch, dry vomiting, and possible fainting.
- Anticoagulants will…
- Stop the blood clotting and bring on bruising, nosebleeds, blood in your dog’s pee, and loss of appetite.
- Cholecalciferol will…
- Cause signs of kidney failure, lack of appetite, vomiting, and extreme tiredness.
- And Bromethalin will…
- Cause potential seizures, muscle tremors, fits, fainting, and the possibility of sudden death.
These symptoms are terrifying; the worse is knowing that only half of all rodenticide toxicity cases are treatable.
Commonly Affected Breeds
Any breed of dog can be affected by this condition at any time. Dogs that reside in big cities or on remote farms are more likely to suffer from it due to locational implications. Try to keep your dog out of areas you know are being treated by pest control, and do not use these dangerous products around your home, garden, or land.
Treatment Options
Treatment for your pet will depend on the type of poison ingested. Your Veterinarian will want to know as much information as possible as soon as possible, so could you try to source the packaging for the poison your dog has eaten? If this is not possible, keep a close watch over your dog’s symptoms, as the vet may be able to identify them from them.
Your vet will…
Also, I want to undergo a physical examination first of all. They will listen to all your symptoms, so include everything. They will want to measure your dog’s blood count and do a biochemical screening to ensure what chemicals have been used. They may also use an EKG or X-rays to diagnose the specific condition.
Next…
A blood transfusion may be the way forward, depending on severity. Mannitol, induced vomiting, and Vitamin K1 injections are often used to treat these conditions, and your vet will keep your dog in for as much care as possible. They may also need to give fluids, clean the blood, examine their progress, and support them for up to a week while the effects of the poison are combated. Sadly, not all toxins can be counteracted, and the treatment results often depend on time and the poison used.
This brings us to…
Were we like to remind folks that we here at IndulgeYourPet are not doctors, veterinarians, or medical professionals. We are all a bunch of folks passionate about animals and only want what’s best for them. This is why if you feel like your pet may have Rodenticide Toxicity (or any other health issue), you’ll first want to have them checked out by a vet ASAP!
Because…
An early diagnosis will often lead to the “best” medical outcome for your pet regardless of what is bothering them, but beyond that, diagnosing a medical condition early could save you a bundle in medical costs! For this reason, we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
