Rodenticides are available in many types, and they are all harmful to pets who are commonly poisoned through accidental rodenticide ingestion. Our Oliver Animal Hospital south Austin veterinarians provide information about these products and explain what you should do if your pet is exposed.

How are rodenticides harmful to pets?

All rodenticides are harmful to pets. Four main rodenticide types are available for over-the-counter (OTC) purchase, including:

  • Anticoagulants — Active ingredients in anticoagulants include brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone, and warfarin. These compounds interrupt vitamin K activation, which is necessary for the body to manufacture clotting factors. The amount of anticoagulants in this rodenticide type causes internal hemorrhage. Anticoagulants were once the main ingredient in most rodenticides, but in 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made regulatory changes, decreasing access to these products. While anticoagulant rodenticides are less commonly available today, they remain extremely deadly to pets.
  • Bromethalin — Bromethalin prevents oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, especially in the brain. This process is necessary to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is needed to supply energy for ATP-dependent sodium and potassium ion pumps. When ion pumps can’t function properly, electrolyte imbalances occur in the brain, leading to fluid moving into myelinated regions, which results in brain swelling. 
  • Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) — Cholecalciferol is one of the most powerful rodenticides available and is especially toxic to dogs. The ingredient produces dangerous increases in blood calcium, resulting in hardening of soft tissues throughout the body, particularly in the heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and muscles. If your pet ingests a cholecalciferol rodenticide, they can experience multiple organ failure and death.
  • Zinc and aluminum phosphides — When these products mix with stomach acid, they produce phosphine gas, a dangerous systemic poison.

Rodenticides come in many formulations, including pellets, bait blocks, powders, pastes, cereals, and soft baits. They are often flavored to attract rodents, but may also tempt your pet who may mistake the toxins for treats. 

What are rodenticide toxicity signs in pets?

Rodenticide toxicity signs depend on the product type your pet has ingested. Some products contain dyes that may color your pet’s stool. If your pet’s feces are an abnormal color, call our Oliver Animal Hospital south Austin veterinarians immediately to determine the cause. Signs for each rodenticide type include:

  • Anticoagulant signs — Anticoagulant ingestion signs usually take about three to five days to manifest after exposure, resulting in hemorrhage. Signs may include lethargy, pale gums, increased respiration rate and effort, weakness, nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, bloody urine, bloody diarrhea, and seizures caused by bleeding in the brain.
  • Bromethalin signs — Bromethalin ingestion signs result from brain swelling after exposure and typically take several days to manifest. Signs may include incoordination, total or partial paralysis, tremors, and seizures.
  • Cholecalciferol signs — Cholecalciferol ingestion signs usually manifest 36 to 48 hours after exposure and are relatively nonspecific, including weakness, decreased appetite, and depression. As the rodenticide impairs kidney function, renal failure can occur, resulting in vomiting and increased thirst and urination.
  • Zinc and aluminum phosphide signs — These chemical ingestion signs can manifest within minutes after exposure. In severe cases, death can occur in as few as five hours. Signs may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, abdominal bloating, trouble breathing, tremors, and seizures. 

How is rodenticide toxicity treated in pets?

After exposure, your pet needs veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Treatment varies depending on the active ingredient to which your pet has been exposed, so your veterinarian must know the product specifics to provide your dog or cat with an effective treatment. For most active ingredients, our south Austin veterinarians induce vomiting to remove as much toxin as possible from your pet’s system. In addition, we may administer activated charcoal to help prevent toxin absorption. Each rodenticide type’s specific treatment includes:

  • Anticoagulant treatment — Vitamin K1 is antidotal for anticoagulant toxicity, but coagulation may take up to 12 hours to occur. Treatment typically involves oral vitamin K1 treatment for four weeks, as well as hospitalization for supportive care. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
  • Bromethalin treatment — No antidote is available for bromethalin toxicity, and treatment focuses on reducing brain swelling.
  • Cholecalciferol treatment — No antidote is available for cholecalciferol toxicity, and treatment focuses on reducing calcium levels.
  • Zinc and aluminum phosphide treatment — No antidote is available for phosphides, and treatment typically involves antacids and similar medications to reduce phosphine gas production. 

What should I do if my pet is exposed to a rodenticide?

Rodenticide exposure is a veterinary emergency. If you know or suspect your pet ingested a rodenticide, follow these tips:

  • Stay calm — Don’t panic. Stay calm so you can get the care your pet needs.
  • Reduce exposure — Ensure your pet can no longer access the rodenticide, and remove any product from their mouth.
  • Call for help — Call Oliver Animal Hospital or Animal Poison Control to receive expert advice on how to proceed.
  • Provide information — To ensure your pet receives effective treatment, be prepared to answer your veterinary team’s many questions. You will be asked to provide information such as:
    • Your pet’s age, breed, and weight
    • The product your pet has ingested, including the product name, active ingredient, and EPA registration number
    • The product amount your pet ingested, and when they ingested it
    • Your pet’s signs 
  • Do not induce vomiting — If performed incorrectly, inducing vomiting can lead to complications. A veterinary professional should perform this procedure. 
  • Protect yourself — If your pet ingested a phosphide rodenticide and they vomit, evacuate the area. The phosphine gas in the vomit is also dangerous to humans.
  • Seek veterinary care — Take your pet to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Remember to bring the rodenticide’s packaging to give to the treating veterinarian, so they know the exact rodenticide to which your pet has been exposed.

Rodenticide exposure is a veterinary emergency. If your pet is exposed to a rodenticide, immediately contact our Oliver Animal Hospital south Austin veterinarians, so we can treat your dog or cat effectively.