assistant: You can call the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center (Pet Poison Helpline) at 1 (855) 764-7661.

While the following information may be helpful, please do not take action without calling the above number & talking with a trained professional.

If a dog ingests mouse or rat poison, accurate identification of the active ingredient is crucial as this will determine the risk of poisoning and the need for treatment. If the active ingredient is not clearly visible on the packaging, another important identifier is the EPA registration number (EPA Reg. No.), this number will allow Pet Poison Helpline veterinarians to correctly identify the active ingredient.

Here are four common rat poison ingredients along with information about treatment:

Long-acting anticoagulants (LAACs) are the most common and well known type of mouse and rat poisons. This type of poison prevents the blood from clotting, resulting in internal bleeding. When dogs or cats ingest LAACs, it typically takes 3-5 days before signs of poisoning are visible. However, if the pet has been chronically exposed to the product, the onset of clinical signs may be sooner. Fortunately, this specific type of mouse and rat poison does have a prescription antidote called Vitamin K1. Over-the-counter medications or food with high vitamin K content will not be sufficient substitutes. Most dogs need to be treated with Vitamin K1 for 30 days. Two days after the last dose of Vitamin K1 is administered, a blood clotting test called a prothrombin (PT) should be checked to make sure the clotting is normal.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) causes a very high calcium and phosphorus level in the body, resulting in severe, acute kidney failure. This type of poisoning can be one of the most challenging to treat as hospitalization, frequent laboratory monitoring and expensive therapy is often required for a positive outcome. There is no specific antidote, but poisoning generally responds well to aggressive IV fluids (for 2-3 days) and specific drugs (e.g., diuretics, steroids, calcitonin and bisphosphonates) to decrease calcium levels in the body. Frequent monitoring of blood work (calcium, phosphorus, and kidney values) is often needed for a period of 2-6 weeks after ingestion.

Bromethalin causes swelling of the brain. Because the ingredient name looks similar to many of the LAAC poisons, it can easily be mistaken for a LAAC. In-hospital care for a few days may be necessary because this poison has long-lasting effects. Treatment includes decontamination (administering multiple doses of activated charcoal to bind up the poison), IV fluids, and specific drugs to decrease brain swelling.

Zinc and Aluminum Phosphides are more commonly found in mole or gopher baits, but they also may appear in mouse and rat baits. This poison is of particular concern as inhalation of the fumes from a dog’s vomit may cause lung irritation to both the dog and the pet owner. Once in the stomach, this poison releases phosphine gas. Food in the stomach will increase the amount of gas produced and, therefore, increase the toxicity of the poison. Therefore, feeding your dog after ingestion of this poison is never recommended. This poison also does not have an antidote and immediate therapy should be sought by calling Pet Poison Helpline and seeking veterinary attention. Administration of antacids (e.g., Maalox®) soon after ingestion may help to decrease the amount of gas produced. This is followed by decontamination of the stomach through inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage (pumping the stomach). During decontamination, care needs to be taken to prevent hospital personnel from being exposed to the gas. Given the potential risk this gas poses for people, vomiting is best induced by veterinary professionals (not dog owners) in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

prompter: What do I do if I have no activated charcoal in my house?