Go to a vet now
Go to an emergency vet now, and bring the package. Rat and mouse poisons are among the most common serious poisonings in dogs. Different products work in completely different ways, and the right treatment depends on the active ingredient.
What to do right now
- Take the bait package, or a photo of the label showing the active ingredient and EPA registration number.
- Call your vet or poison control on the way to the emergency vet.
- Estimate how much bait is missing and when your dog could have eaten it.
- Do not make your dog vomit unless instructed; with zinc phosphide, vomiting can release toxic gas.
Why rat poison can be dangerous for dogs
Anticoagulant baits (such as brodifacoum or bromadiolone) stop blood from clotting, causing internal bleeding 3-5 days later. Bromethalin causes brain swelling and has no antidote. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) causes dangerously high calcium and kidney failure. Zinc phosphide releases toxic gas in the stomach. Bait colors do not tell you the type.
Symptoms to watch for
- Anticoagulants (after 3-5 days): weakness, pale gums, coughing, nosebleeds, bruising, bloody urine or stool, labored breathing
- Bromethalin: wobbliness, tremors, seizures, paralysis
- Cholecalciferol: vomiting, thirst, increased urination, lethargy
- Zinc phosphide: vomiting, bloating, breathing difficulty
What not to do
- Do not wait for symptoms: anticoagulant bleeding appears days later.
- Do not rely on the bait color to identify the poison.
What the vet will do
Treatment depends on the ingredient: inducing vomiting and activated charcoal early, vitamin K1 for 4 weeks or longer for anticoagulants, clotting tests, and fluids and specific medicines for other types.
Dog ate rat poison: FAQ
How long after eating rat poison will a dog show signs?
Anticoagulant poisons usually take 3-5 days. Bromethalin and zinc phosphide can cause signs within hours to a day or two.
Can a dog survive rat poison?
Yes, many do with prompt treatment, especially when the active ingredient is known. Delayed treatment greatly worsens the outlook.
My dog ate a dead mouse. Could it be poisoned?
Possibly. Relay poisoning from eating a poisoned rodent is uncommon but possible. Call your vet, especially if you or a neighbor use bait.
Other "my dog ate…" guides
- Chicken BoneCall your vet
- GumEmergency
- Grapes or RaisinsEmergency
- Corn CobCall your vet
- BeeWatch closely
- Silica Gel PacketWatch closely
- IbuprofenEmergency
- TylenolCall your vet
- SockCall your vet
- Cat PoopWatch closely
- Raw ChickenWatch closely
- WeedCall your vet
Sources
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every pet is different: when in doubt, call your vet or an animal poison control line.