In 2009 alone, the ASPCA's poison control hotline received more than 6,000 calls regarding dogs who came in contact with rat poison. Ingesting chemicals like bromethalin, warfarin, cholecalciferol and zinc phosphide can lead to countless health problems, and even death, if not treated immediately.
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Types of Poison
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Four major types of rat poisoning exist that your dog may come in contact with.
Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and brodifacoum, are the most common and inhibit the body's ability to clot blood. Dogs have been sickened both by ingesting the poison directly and by eating the dead rodents.
Bromethalin, marketed under the brand names Assault and Vengeance, is a neurotoxin. Bromethalin can lead to cerebral edema, causing seizures, muscle tremors and problems moving.
Cholecalciferol is a toxic form of vitamin D and is found in brands such as Ortho Rat-B-Gone, Rampage, and Quintox. The vitamin D levels cause extreme muscle weakness and slows heart rate dramatically.
Zinc phosphide is most often found in professional rat poisons, though it does appear in some available for home use. Dogs are most often poisoned through direct ingestion, because the taste of the toxins are designed to appeal to animals.
Symptoms of Poisoning
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The most common symptoms of rat poisoning are loss of appetite, muscle tremors, seizures, impaired movement/paralysis, weakness and vomiting.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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If your dog has ingested rat poison, it is imperative to begin treatment immediately. Supply your veterinarian with a list of your dog's recent activities and a health history. Your vet will perform a thorough physical exam, and may run some tests such as a urinalysis, CT scan, MRI and bloodwork.
If rat poisoning is confirmed, the first line of treatment is to get your dog to purge its digestive tract, usually by inducing vomiting and using a cathartic to empty the bowels. This may need to be repeated several times a day over the next few days. If your dog is experiencing seizures, loss of appetite and other results of poisoning, your vet may prescribe certain medications to control these symptoms. Expect your pet to be weak and in recovery from several days to several weeks, depending on the severity of its condition.
Prevention
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The only way to completely protect your pet from rat poisoning is simply not to use those chemicals. There are non-toxic options available, ranging from typical rat traps to humane traps.
If you must use chemicals, store them out of reach of your pets, and only spread them in areas that your dog cannot access. Dispose of any dead rodents immediately to prevent your dog from getting to them.
Be Prepared
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Keep the phone numbers for your regular vet and emergency vet on hand, as well as the number to the ASPCA Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. Have ready vital statistics on your dog: breed, age, weight, sex, health problems (current and past). Have information on all toxins your dog may have come in contact with, including brand names of any poisons in use.
Create a small first aid kit that includes 3% hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting, if you are instructed to do so by your vet), a bulb syringe to administer the peroxide, a muzzle, and saline solution. Pre-made kits are available from the ASPCA, as well.
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