Rat Poison and Your Pet

 Humans and rats have clashed for centuries. Rats are not just a nuisance to us but can be damaging to property and can carry disease. So, it is understandable that we want to get rid of them. However, the popular ways to rid ourselves of these animals poses a great risk to other animals including dogs and cats. There are several types of rat poisons currently on the market and most of the general population knows very little about how they kill and the risks they pose to our pets.
The traditional type of rat poison contains anticoagulant. About 5 days after ingestion of this rodenticide, the rat would die from internal bleeding. The poison is very effective, but the main problem is that they are indiscriminate. If a dog or cat were to accidentally ingest the poison or even eat a rat that had ingested the poison, then they too are poisoned and would die in the same manner if left untreated. If caught in time, then treatment is induction of vomiting if able to and treatment with vitamin K.
A newer type of rodenticide is now available. Bromethalin was supposed to be a safer choice as only small amounts are required to kill a rodent and would unlikely pose a problem for predators. However, it is highly palatable and there is no antidote for it, so it is a greater risk to our pets in case of accidental poisoning. There are two forms of poisoning from Bromethalin: a convulsant form and a paralytic form. In the convulsant form of poisoning, the animal has generally consumed a large amount of poison. This will cause hyperexcitability and then seizure and almost always, death. In the paralytic form or lower dose poisoning, symptoms take longer to show and usually consist of weakness and neurological signs culminating in paralysis. Treatment must be aggressive but is supportive only and some animals may have lasting side effects.
Given all the risks, if you have a rat problem consider all of your options first. Cinema Veterinary Centre is located at 23460 Cinema Drive, suite L in Valencia, and you can reach us at 661-253-9300.