Rat poison ingestion can be fatal for dogs and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of rat poisoning in dogs include bleeding, pale gums, weakness, bloody diarrhea and seizures, but symptoms are not always apparent soon after the poisoning. The internal bleeding that results from an anticoagulant in rat poison will not occur until at least one day after ingestion, according to Oklahoma State University. Canine rat poisoning treatment begins with first aid and can involve intensive veterinary care. Seek immediate help if you even suspect that your dog ate rat poison.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
Instructions
Call your veterinarian or dial 888-426-4435 to reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The ASPCA is available 24 hours daily and generally requires a $65 consultation fee, which is payable by credit card.
Provide your veterinarian or ASPCA representative with detailed information on your dog's age, weight, symptoms and the time and amount of poison ingestion. Read the label of the rat poison packaging to specify its active ingredients if possible.
Follow the specialist's recommendations. He may advise you to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide or transport your dog to a veterinary hospital, or both. VetInfo.com notes the standard dosage of hydrogen peroxide is 1 tsp. to 1/4 cup, depending on the dog's size, and is effective if the poisoning occurred within the last two hours.
Authorize your veterinarian to perform any necessary medical procedures, such as giving activated charcoal for toxin absorption, intravenous fluids, plasma transfusion, blood tests and vitamin K supplementation.
Give your dog medication as prescribed, and follow any other treatment recommendations given by your veterinarian.