Rat poison, or rodenticide, is an effective way to get rid of rodents. However, it can pose a lethal threat to pets if consumed. In the summer, veterinarians often see cats and dogs that display signs of poisoning as more people use these products to remove pests. Understanding some of the signs of this condition will help you keep your furry friend safe, since veterinarians can provide antidotes. Here are the symptoms that animals that have ingested rat poison often display.

How Rat Poison Affects Household Pets

1. Lethargy & Weakness

Of the four types of rodenticides, which include anticoagulants, cholecalciferol, bromethalin, and phosphides, all of them cause noticeable lethargy and weakness in pets. They may experience disorientation, which can manifest as confusion, unsteady gait, excessive drooling, or sudden collapse. An increase in anxiety may be present as well.

2. Bleeding

A dog or cat that has eaten an anticoagulant rodenticide may start bleeding from the nose or gums. Rat poison can also cause internal bleeding, which results in bloody vomit and coughs as well as dark or discolored urine or stool.

3. Seizures

Bromethalin is a rodenticide that causes an animal's brain to swell. This can result in seizures or coma. A pet having seizures will often collapse and their body will convulse or jerk. They might also foam at the mouth, bite their tongue, or paddle their legs in the air.

4. Difficulty Breathing

Both anticoagulants and phosphides can make it difficult for a pet to breathe. This may look like wheezing or gasping as the animal tries to inhale. Their heart rate may also speed up as a result.

If you believe your pet has ingested rat poison, visit Hayward Animal Hospital. Their veterinarians can provide an antidote to nurse them back to health. Serving the Sawyer County, WI, area for more than three decades, their veterinarians offer a wide range of animal care services, including vaccinations, wellness exams, dental checkups, and surgeries. Learn more about what they do online, or call (715) 634-8971 to schedule an appointment.