What Are Side Effects of D-con Rat Poison?

D-con rat poison is a commercial pest control agent designed to solve rodent problems in the home. The effects of D-con vary significantly depending on the size and type of animal that eats it. D-con acts as a bait for rodents, who die once they consume the poison. D-con does not work straight away, so the rodent may leave your home before dying. D-con is also potent enough to poison household pets if ingested.

  1. External Bleeding

    • Brodifacoum is the active ingredient in D-con. When ingested, brodifacoum stops the blood from clotting, resulting in the rodent bleeding to death. If a domestic pet ingests the bait the same results are likely to occur. If a pet consumes the poisoned rodent itself rather than the bait, it is still at risk as the poison may still be active. Once blood clotting has been inhibited, an animal may bleed through its gums or nose. If any of these effects are visible, you should seek immediate medical assistance from a veterinarian.

    Internal Bleeding

    • If the poison results in internal bleeding, there may be blood present in the urine or stools of your household pets. Signs of internal bleeding are not always apparent. If you are unsure as to whether your animal has consumed D-con, look for signs of distress in its body language. If you can see indications of swelling around the belly of your dog, it may be due to abdominal bleeding. Animals that are struggling to breathe and appear to be short of breath may be suffering from internal bleeding of the lungs. D-con can also cause bleeding of the brain, which may result in sudden spasms, poor coordination or paralysis in areas of the animal's body. Seek a veterinarian's advice immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.

    Red Blood Cell Deficiency

    • Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells in the body. Due to the bleeding problems associated with D-con consumption, a household pet may suffer from the condition. Signs of anemia in an animal include physical weakness and general lethargy. Dogs, for instance, may show little or not interest in being taken for a walk or engaging in play. Anemia can also result in a whitening of the gums in dogs, due to blood thinning.