As the crisp air of fall sweeps across the Pacific Northwest, many of us welcome the cozy season. Unfortunately, rodents are also seeking warmth and shelter indoors during the colder months. To combat the problem, many homeowners turn to rat and mouse poisons (rodenticides). But what’s lethal for rodents can be just as deadly for our beloved pets.
This increase in rodenticide use during the fall makes it a particularly critical time for pet owners to be vigilant. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Bellingham, in collaboration with Animal Emergency Care (AEC), we frequently see the devastating effects of these toxins. Let’s break down why this is such a serious issue and what you, as a pet owner, need to know.
Why is rat poison such a problem for pets?
Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and unfortunately, rodenticides are often made to be attractive. Baits may be flavored with grains, molasses, or even peanut butter—making them irresistible to pets. Exposure can happen in your own backyard, while out on a walk, or even by eating a rodent that has already ingested the poison.
There are several types of rodenticides, each with different (but equally dangerous) effects:
- Anticoagulants: Prevent blood from clotting, leading to internal bleeding.
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): Causes dangerously high calcium and phosphorus levels, resulting in kidney failure and organ damage.
- Bromethalin: Impacts the brain and nervous system, leading to seizures and paralysis.
- Strychnine: Though less common, it causes severe muscle spasms and seizures.
- Zinc Phosphide: Produces toxic phosphine gas in the stomach, causing gastrointestinal and organ damage.
Rodenticide intoxication is one of the most common poisonings in dogs and cats—and it can be fatal without rapid intervention.
What are the signs and symptoms of rat poisoning?
Symptoms vary depending on the type and amount of poison ingested. Some appear within hours, while others may be delayed for days—making it harder for owners to recognize poisoning until it’s advanced.
Signs of Anticoagulant Poisoning (most common):
- Lethargy and weakness
- Pale gums (blood loss)
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums
- Bruising or unexplained swelling
- Bloody or dark, tarry stool
- Sudden lameness (bleeding into joints)
Signs of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Poisoning:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and loss of appetite
- Weakness and lethargy
- Weight loss
- Delayed kidney failure
Signs of Bromethalin Poisoning:
- Uncoordinated movements (ataxia)
- Tremors or seizures
- Weakness or paralysis, especially in the hind legs
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
What should pet owners do?
If you suspect your pet has ingested rat poison—or even if you just find chewed packaging—act immediately. This is a true emergency.
- Do NOT wait for symptoms to appear. Early treatment saves lives.
- Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. At Boundary Bay in Bellingham, our emergency service is provided in collaboration with Animal Emergency Care (AEC), available 24/7.
- Bring the packaging of the rodenticide if possible; knowing the exact toxin is critical for treatment.
- Do NOT induce vomiting at home unless a veterinarian directs you to. Some poisons cause more harm if vomited.
- Keep your pet calm and transport them safely to the nearest emergency facility.
Successful treatment of poisonings often depends on rapid diagnosis and aggressive therapy—the quicker your pet receives medical attention, the better their chances of recovery.
Emergency care for rat poison ingestion
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital – Bellingham, we work in partnership with Animal Emergency Care (AEC) to provide 24/7 emergency and critical care for pets suffering from poisoning and other urgent conditions. Our team has the expertise, diagnostics, and treatments necessary to stabilize and treat pets exposed to rodenticides.
Emergency treatments may include:
- Inducing vomiting (if appropriate and safe)
- Administering activated charcoal to reduce absorption of toxins
- Specific antidotes (such as Vitamin K1 for anticoagulant poisons)
- IV fluids to support organs and help flush toxins
- Monitoring bloodwork and vital signs
- Advanced supportive care for neurological or organ complications
Protecting pets in our community
Rodenticides are dangerous not only to rodents, but also to the pets we love. Please take extra care to store these products safely, and consider alternative methods of rodent control when possible.
If you suspect your pet has ingested rat poison, don’t wait—call us right away. At Boundary Bay in Bellingham, together with Animal Emergency Care, we’re here to provide emergency care every hour of every day.
👉 Learn more about our emergency services: Boundary Bay Bellingham Emergency Care
