Dangers of Rodenticides for Dogs
Rodenticides are highly toxic to dogs if ingested, even in small amounts. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides like brodifacoum and bromadiolone can lead to intoxication or fatal hemorrhage in dogs [1]. These poisons prevent blood clotting by inhibiting vitamin K. Dogs may ingest rodenticide by eating the bait directly or by catching and eating a poisoned rodent. A 2022 study in Frontiers in Toxicology found that 2.6% of dogs tested positive for exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides, indicating this is an ongoing issue for pet dogs [2].
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the most common rodenticides dogs are exposed to are bromethalin, bromadiolone, difethialone, and brodifacoum. Even small ingestions of these compounds can be fatal without rapid treatment [1]. Dog owners should be aware of the dangers these poisons pose and take steps to prevent exposure.
Using Baits and Traps
One of the best ways to control a mouse infestation while keeping pets safe is to use traps rather than poisonous baits. There are several effective traps that don’t pose a risk of poisoning to dogs and cats in the home.
Snap traps are a safer alternative to poisonous baits because they kill mice quickly without leaving behind toxic substances. Just be sure to place the traps in areas out of your pets’ reach, like along walls or under furniture, and check them frequently.1 The Victor Safe-Set Mouse Trap is designed to be pet-safe while effectively catching mice.2
Live catch traps are another option that allow you to release mice outdoors unharmed. But be aware that mice may die in these traps if not checked daily.
Along with traps, it’s important to seal any openings around your home so mice can’t get in. Mice can squeeze through very small gaps and cracks. Use weatherstripping, caulk, steel wool, and other sealants to close up holes both inside and outside the home. This will help prevent new mice from entering and reduce reliance on traps and poisons.
Preventing Access to Poisons
When using rodenticides, it is critical to prevent access for dogs. All bait stations and other rodenticides should be kept in locked, high cabinets well out of a dog’s reach (https://vetmed.vt.edu/news/2023/pet-poison-prevention.html). Dogs are curious and will explore anywhere they can access, so poisons should never be left unattended.
When placing bait stations or other poisons, dogs should always be supervised or kept securely in another area of the home. Don’t allow dogs access to anywhere rodenticides have been placed until they have been cleaned up.
If any bait gets spilled or scattered, it is essential to clean it up immediately. Even small amounts can be dangerous if ingested by dogs. Wear gloves when cleaning up rodenticides and dispose of them in secure, outdoor trash receptacles that dogs cannot get into (https://www.rmpds.org/system/user_files/Documents/Poison%20Prevention%20Tips%20for%20Pets(1).pdf).
With proper precautions, dogs can be kept safe from potential rodenticide poisoning in the home. Prevention and supervision are key when these products are in use.
Signs of Rodenticide Poisoning
Rodenticide poisoning can cause a wide range of concerning symptoms in dogs. Some of the most common signs to watch for include:
Lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing: Rodenticides like bromethalin and cholecalciferol quickly cause vomiting, lethargy, and breathing difficulties in dogs. These symptoms may appear within hours of ingestion as the toxins start attacking the central nervous system and digestive tract.1
Internal bleeding leading to bruising: Anticoagulant rodenticides like warfarin interfere with blood clotting and vitamin K absorption over the course of several days. This leads to spontaneous internal bleeding seen as bruising, bleeding gums, blood in urine or feces, weakness, and collapse.2
Seizures and heart failure: In severe cases of poisoning, a dog may experience seizures, arrhythmias, respiratory arrest and congestive heart failure. These life-threatening symptoms require emergency veterinary treatment.3
First Aid for Poisoning
If you suspect your dog has ingested rat poison, it is crucial to act quickly and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Speed is critical, as the toxins can start to cause internal damage within hours.
If it has been within the last two hours since ingestion, you may be advised to induce vomiting at home using 3% hydrogen peroxide. Give 1 teaspoon per 5 lbs of body weight, up to 3 tablespoons maximum. This should be done carefully under the guidance of your vet or poison control.
While waiting to get to the vet clinic, keep your dog warm and comfortable. Transport them in a crate or with a towel in your lap, as the poisons may cause bleeding or seizures. Monitor breathing closely during transport.
Do not attempt to neutralize the toxin with milk, food, activated charcoal or other home remedies. Getting prompt professional veterinary care is vital for the best chance of recovery.
Diagnostic Tests
To confirm rodenticide poisoning in dogs, vets will run several diagnostic tests including:
- Complete blood count to check for anemia and low platelets. Abnormal clotting times will also be evident on a CBC (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/rodenticide-warfarin-poisoning-in-dogs).
- Serum biochemistries to evaluate organ function and check for issues with blood clotting factors (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/rodenticide-poisoning/anticoagulant-rodenticide-warfarin-and-congeners-poisoning-in-animals).
- Coagulation tests such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) which will be prolonged in poisoned dogs (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/poisoning/rodenticide-poisoning).
- Urinalysis and toxicology screens to identify the specific toxin involved. Rodenticide residues can often be found in blood or urine samples.
- Radiographs to check for any internal bleeding.
Diagnostic testing is critical to confirm rodenticide toxicity and guide appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment for rodenticide poisoning typically involves:
- IV fluids and possibly blood transfusions to stabilize the dog and support vital organ function.
- Vitamin K1 supplementation, which helps counteract the effects of anticoagulant rodenticides. Vitamin K1 is usually given for several weeks (according to VCA Hospitals).
- Medications like phenobarbital to control seizures and bleeding.
- Supportive care and monitoring of the coagulation times, organ function, and overall health until the dog recovers.
The main goal is to stop the rodenticide from preventing blood clotting while also managing any ensuing complications. With prompt, aggressive treatment, many dogs can recover fully from rodenticide toxicity.
Recovery Process
The recovery process for a dog poisoned by rodenticides can be lengthy and intensive depending on the specific poison ingested. Hospitalization is often required for several days to properly monitor the dog and administer treatment such as IV fluids, vitamin K1 therapy, and activated charcoal.
The prognosis can vary widely based on the specific type and amount of rodenticide ingested. While some poisons like cholecalciferol may only require a few days of supportive care, anticoagulant rodenticides like warfarin often require weeks of vitamin K1 therapy and monitoring. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, using activated charcoal for several days may improve the recovery rate for anticoagulants like brodifacoum. [1]
Even after initial recovery, dogs may experience long-term health complications from rodenticide poisoning. Liver and kidney damage may continue for weeks to months after ingestion. Dogs should have follow-up testing to evaluate organ function and blood clotting ability until values return to normal ranges.
Prevention Tips
If you have pets, it’s best to avoid using rodenticides altogether. These poisons pose too much of a risk for dogs and cats who may accidentally ingest them.
According to Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding Rodenticide Toxicity in Pets, “Preventing access is vital to ensure your pet does not accidentally ingest any rodenticide. Humane traps are a safer alternative and do not involve placing any poison where pets can access.”
If you decide rodenticides are absolutely necessary, use tamper-resistant bait stations designed to prevent access by children, pets and non-target wildlife. Make sure any outdoor stations are anchored and secured.
Avoid using rodenticide pellets that resemble pet food in color, shape or size. Pets are more likely to eat something that looks like their regular kibble.
Check the rodenticide label for specific instructions and warnings. Follow all guidelines for proper usage and disposal.
Mice Control without Poisons
The most effective way to control mice without using poisons is through prevention and trapping. Here are some tips:
Seal all possible entry points into your home. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1/4 inch, so inspect areas like under sinks, around pipes, cracks in the foundation, etc. Use steel wool, caulk, concrete, or metal kick plates to plug gaps.
Use humane snap traps or live catch traps instead of poison baits. These provide a quick and clean method to catch and dispose of mice. Place them along baseboards, in corners, or anywhere you see signs of activity. Check traps daily and release live mice at least one mile from your home.
Keep all areas extremely clean and store food in chew-proof sealed containers. Remove clutter and debris where mice could nest. Clean up crumbs and spills right away. Garbage containing food scraps should be kept in lidded cans.
Repel mice with natural scents they dislike, like peppermint oil. You can soak cotton balls and place them along baseboards or suspected entry points.
Use ultrasonic repellers that emit high frequency sounds to deter mice without poisoning them. Look for consumer products designed specifically for mice control.
Bring in predators that hunt mice, like cats. Cats can be highly effective for limiting the mouse population outdoors and in barns or detached garages.
Cut off food sources outside, such as fallen fruit or spilled bird seed. Clear vegetation and woodpiles within 100 feet of the home.
With vigilant prevention and trapping, you can successfully get rid of mice without resorting to harmful poisons. Always use humane methods focused on deterrence and exclusion.
