Rat poison
Rat poison is a deadly danger for dogs and is often used as poison bait. In this article you will find out what rat poison is, how it affects dogs, what symptoms poisoning causes and how you can help your dog in an emergency.
What is rat poison?
Rat poison is a substance that is used to control rodents such as rats or mice. There are various types of rat poison, most of which are available in the form of granules, pellets or pastes. Most rat poisons contain active ingredients from the coumarin group, which inhibit blood clotting and lead to internal bleeding.
How does rat poison affect dogs?
When a dog eats rat poison, the active substance is absorbed into its body and interferes with vitamin K synthesis in the liver. Vitamin K is an important factor for blood clotting. Without vitamin K, the blood can no longer clot and life-threatening bleeding occurs in various organs.
What are the symptoms of a dog that has eaten rat poison?
The symptoms of rat poisoning in dogs are often unspecific and only become apparent after a few hours or even days. This makes diagnosis difficult and requires rapid veterinary treatment. Possible signs of poisoning include :
- Restlessness and nervousness
- Vomiting, sometimes mixed with blood
- Foaming at the mouth due to increased salivation
- Remains of the poison in the vomit
- Diarrhea, sometimes with blood in the stool
- Blue tongue or pale mucous membranes
- Blood in the urine or nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath or cardiac arrhythmia
- Muscle tremors or cramps
- Falling body temperature or unconsciousness
How can I help my dog if he has eaten rat poison?
If you suspect that your dog has eaten rat poison, you should go to the vet immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better your dog's chances of survival. The vet will try to remove the poison from the gastrointestinal tract by making the dog vomit or performing a gastric lavage. They will also give your dog high doses of vitamin K to support blood clotting. Depending on the severity of the poisoning, your dog may also require a blood transfusion or infusion therapy.
How can I prevent my dog from eating rat poison?
To prevent your dog from eating rat poison, you should take a few precautions:
- Look out for warning signs that rat poison has been put out and avoid these areas.
- Don't let your dog run around unsupervised and keep him on a lead.
- Train your dog not to eat anything from the ground or only on your command.
- Always carry charcoal tablets and vitamin K1 drops with you so that you can provide first aid in an emergency.
- Find out about the nearest veterinary clinic or emergency veterinary service in your area.
Rat poison is a serious threat to dogs and can quickly lead to death. If you want to help your dog, you should inform yourself well and, if in doubt, go to the vet immediately .
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊