If you suspect your pet has eaten rat bait, do not delay in seeking a professional opinion and management. Rat bait is very poisonous to dogs- our canine friends are the majority of patients we see that have ingested it.

Less than a teaspoon is known to have a negative effect on a dog’s health. The smell attracts them to eat the bait which is then absorbed and acts as an anticoagulant (prevents blood from clotting). Within 1-5 days the active ingredients cause internal bleeding.

Signs of intoxication are associated with bleeding and can range from very subtle signs such as pin point haemorrhages on the gums to frank bleeding from anywhere. You may notice -

• lethargy
• bleeding from the nose
• blood in the urine or faeces
• coughing or difficulty breathing
• lameness

Once your pet arrives at the clinic, we may need to take a blood sample to assess clotting time and anaemia (depending on when you think your pet may have ingested the bait). Your pet may be given medications to promote vomiting, which will help reduce the amount of bait absorbed into the pets system.

Treatment then may be as simple as giving Vitamin K for 3 - 6 weeks.

The take home message is: ‘If your think your dog has eaten rat bait, contact your veterinary clinic immediately.