As the crisp air of fall sweeps across the Pacific Northwest, many of us welcome the cozy season. However, there’s a less welcome visitor also seeking warmth and shelter: rodents. As rats and mice move indoors to escape the colder weather and dwindling outdoor food sources, many homeowners turn to rat and mouse poisons, or rodenticides, to control these pests. Unfortunately, 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 in Surrey we frequently see the devastating effects of these toxins. Let’s break down why this is such a critical issue and what you, as a pet owner, need to know.

Why is Rat Poison Such a Problem for Pets?

Pets, especially dogs, are naturally inquisitive. The baits used in rodenticides are often designed to be attractive, sometimes flavored with ingredients like grains, molasses, or even peanut butter, making them irresistible to hungry pets. They might encounter these poisons in their own yard, at a park, or even by eating a rodent that has consumed the poison.

There are several types of rodenticides, and each works differently. However, they all have one thing in common: they are designed to kill. The most common types include:

• Anticoagulants: These prevent blood from clotting, leading to internal bleeding.
• Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): This causes a dangerous increase in calcium and phosphorus in the body, leading to organ damage.
• Bromethalin: This toxin affects the brain and nervous system.
• Strychnine: While less common now, this causes severe muscle spasms and seizures.
• Zinc Phosphide: This poison releases toxic phosphine gas in the stomach, causing severe gastrointestinal upset 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?

The symptoms your pet experiences depend on the type of poison ingested and the amount. Some signs can appear within hours, while others may take days. This delayed onset can be particularly concerning, as pet owners might not immediately connect the symptoms to a poisoning incident.

Signs of Anticoagulant Poisoning (most common):

• Lethargy and weakness
• Pale gums (due to blood loss)
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums
• Bruising or unexplained swelling
• Bloody stool or dark, tarry stool
• Sudden lameness (due to bleeding into joints)

Signs of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Poisoning:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Vomiting and loss of appetite
• Weakness and lethargy
• Weight loss
• Kidney failure (can be delayed)

Signs of Bromethalin Poisoning:

• Uncoordinated movements (ataxia)
• Tremors and 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 if you find rodenticide packaging with chew marks, act immediately! This is a true emergency.

Do NOT wait for symptoms to appear. Early intervention is crucial.

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital like Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital right away. Have the packaging of the rodenticide ready, if possible. Knowing the specific type of poison is vital for guiding treatment.

Do NOT try to induce vomiting at home unless directed by a veterinarian. Some poisons can cause more harm if vomited, and it can be dangerous if done improperly.

Keep your pet calm and transport them safely to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic.

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), “Successful treatment of poisonings often depends on rapid diagnosis and aggressive therapy.” The quicker your pet receives professional medical attention, the better their prognosis.

How Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital Can Help

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Surrey, BC, our emergency and critical care team is available 24/7 to handle poisonings and other urgent situations. We have the expertise, diagnostic tools, and treatments necessary to provide immediate and comprehensive care for pets suffering from rodenticide intoxication.

An animal with poisoning symptoms may be treated with some or all of the following:

• Emergency stabilization
• Inducing vomiting (if appropriate and safe)
• Administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxin
• Specific antidotes (such as Vitamin K1 for anticoagulant poisons)
• Intravenous fluids to support organ function and help flush toxins
• Monitoring vital signs and blood work
• Advanced supportive care for neurological symptoms or organ damage

If you are in Surrey, BC, or the surrounding Metro Vancouver or greater BC areas and believe your pet has been exposed to rat poison, do not hesitate. Contact Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital immediately. Stay vigilant, keep rodenticides out of reach, and know the signs. Protecting our pets is a community effort!