What to do if a small dog eats rat poison

Most rat poisons are highly toxic drugs, including anticoagulants, phosphorated zinc, and organic fluorides. Their lethal mechanisms and onset times vary. If a small dog eats rat poison, it will suffer from significant physical effects. In such cases, it is crucial to take the dog to a pet hospital as soon as possible for treatment.

Rat poisons are mainly divided into anticoagulants, phosphorated zinc, and organic fluorides. The lethal causes of different types of rat poisons vary.

Among them, anticoagulant and organic fluoride rat poisons are highly toxic. If a small dog accidentally eats them, it will suffer significant physical damage. For example, anticoagulant rat poison can cause severe respiratory disorders, making the dog breathe rapidly. Moreover, anticoagulant rat poison reduces coagulation ability, leading to bleeding tendencies in the dog. Clinical manifestations of anticoagulant and organic fluoride rat poison poisoning include foamy mouth, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, bloody stools, and blood-tinged foam from the nose.

After a small dog eats phosphorated zinc rat poison, it will first show symptoms of loss of appetite and vomiting. The vomit has a distinct garlic smell, and a blue phosphorescence appears in dark areas due to the presence of phosphorus. This type of rat poison is relatively easy to identify.

To treat a dog accidentally eating rat poison, prompt vomiting and even gastric lavage are necessary to promote defecation, urination, and detoxification. Most of these procedures are almost impossible for owners to perform at home. Therefore, it is recommended to take the dog to a pet hospital as soon as possible after accidental rat poison consumption.