Rodenticide products not only help control mice and rats, but can also cause serious and life-threatening harm to pets who cannot resist tasting the alluring, yet deadly ingredients. Rodenticides come in different formulations with a variety of ingredients, and misconceptions abound about the threat they pose to pets. Our team at Madison Street Animal Hospital clears up confusion about rodenticide toxicity and provides tips to help protect pets.

Rodenticide toxicity in pets

Rodenticides come in different formulations of baits or pellets that contain various active ingredients toxic to pets, because they disrupt vital body systems. Rodenticides also are particularly dangerous, because the sweet flavoring that attracts rodents appeals to pets, as well. These poisonous products come in many types with different active ingredients, but they all cause pets serious health issues, including bleeding, kidney failure, seizure, and death.

Rodenticides types and effects

Rodenticide types that contain similar active ingredients are grouped together based on their function. Here’s how the different types impact your pet’s health:

  • Anticoagulants — These work by disrupting the blood’s ability to clot, which causes internal bleeding. Anticoagulants inhibit synthesis of vitamin K, which is a crucial component for the production of certain blood clotting proteins, without which a pet can experience severe blood loss, even following a minor injury.
  • Bromethalin —  This neurotoxin causes brain and spinal cord swelling that leads to increased pressure and can cause a variety of neurologic problems, including seizures, paralysis, and death.
  • Cholecalciferol (vitamin D) — This compound increases the calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which can lead to the mineralization of organs, including the kidneys, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and cardiovascular system, and result in kidney failure, heart abnormalities, and digestive issues.
  • Phosphides (zinc or aluminum phosphide) — These products release toxic phosphine gas when they contact stomach acid and cause bloating, abdominal pain, and rapid breathing. These rodenticides can be quickly fatal. 

Rodenticide toxicity signs in pets

Rodenticide toxicity signs vary depending on rodenticide type and the amount ingested. Common signs include:

  • Bleeding 
  • Neurologic issues 
  • Respiratory distress
  • Vomiting and diarrhea 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Increased thirst and urination 
  • Lethargy and weakness 

If your pet shows any of these signs and you suspect rodenticide poisoning, seek immediate veterinary care. If possible, take the rodenticide container or package to assist with diagnosis and treatment. 

Rodenticide toxicity treatment in pets

Rodenticide toxicity treatment in pets depends on the type and amount ingested. The goal is poison removal to prevent further absorption, and treatment of any health complications. This often involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb the poison, and supportive care, such as IV fluids and oxygen therapy. If your pet has ingested an anticoagulant rodenticide, treatment may also include vitamin K1 therapy so their blood will clot normally again.

Tips to prevent protect your pet from rodenticide toxicity

A small brown mouse is inside a metal cage, peering through the bars with curiosity. Its ears are perked and whiskers twitch as it awaits its visit to the veterinarian. The cage rests on a wooden surface, ready for the vet's careful examination.

Prevention is the best way to protect your pet from rodenticide toxicity. Tips to protect your pet include:

  • Changing rodent control methods — Instead of using toxic rodenticides, try live traps that don’t contain poisons.
  • Keeping rodenticides out of reach — If you do use rodenticides, ensure they’re stored securely in high, locked cabinets that your pet cannot access. Bait stations and traps should also be kept where they are completely inaccessible to your pets.
  • Leashing your pet — Always leash-walk your pet, especially in areas where you suspect rodenticides are used.
  • Rodent-proofing your home — Make your home less inviting to rodents by sealing off small entry points, keeping food stored in rodent-proof containers, and removing potential nesting sites.

Any pet exposed to a rodenticide needs veterinary care as soon as possible. Contact our Madison Street Animal Hospital team immediately for emergency care, because time is of the essence in these cases.