Rat poisoning in dogs is less common than food poisoning or viral diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The dose of toxic chemicals in rodent baits is small for the dog and due to this, timely treatment is always effective. The danger is that many owners cannot distinguish the signs of poisoning from other diseases or poisonings, and do not provide first aid correctly, and this can cause irreversible consequences in the pet’s body.
Rat poison
“Dogs are being poisoned en masse!”
- similar statements are heard from environmentalists. And sometimes the methods used for bullying are very different. Often, even poison against rats is used. Eating pure poison is rare. After all, the bait itself is quite unattractive to the animal. The risk of poisoning with such a substance increases significantly if we are talking about special baits created on the basis of meat. Deterioration of the condition is observed if the animal eats the carcasses of rodents - among them there may be already poisoned ones.
We are talking about a special substance that is widely used to control rodents. Grain-based baits are made from it; There are pastes, granules and powder. Such products are called rodenticides.
There are 2 main groups of elements:
- components with a sharp mechanism of action;
- drugs with chronic effects.
Today, only elements of the second group are on sale. The reason is that exclusively they are considered relatively safe for the human body.
Such connections include:
- flocumafen;
- ethylphenacin;
- ratsid;
- phosphides.
Signs will depend on the rodenticide group.
Anti-clotting drugs
Anti-clotting agents (LAACs) currently dominate the pest control market.
Mechanism of action. As you might guess, poison prevents blood from clotting. A rat or mouse that eats it ends its life from massive internal bleeding. The same can be said about poisoned dogs. In general, these compounds are completely similar in action (and sometimes in composition) to drugs actively used in medicine (for example, Warfarin (a natural vitamin K antagonist) or Coumadin®). Typically, in the case of dogs, the first symptoms are visible three to five days after poisoning. However, if the dog took a large “dose” at once, clinical signs will appear much earlier.
The effect of poison on the body of dogs
The effect of the poison directly depends on the type of toxin it contains. Harmful elements are:
- Flocumafen is one of the anticoagulant elements of the initial series. This also includes warfarin, which is considered a common component of modern baits. The effect is based on a failure in the synthesis of vitamin K. Dogs have a species-specific sensitivity to the element.
- Ethylphenacin. The action is similar. These poisons are able to accumulate in the body, their elimination period is longer, and they are much more powerful.
- Krysid. The element is used infrequently due to toxicity. Causes pulmonary edema.
- Zinc phosphide is toxic and should be used under the supervision of specialists. Death occurs in a matter of minutes.
If a dog has eaten rat poison with anticoagulants, the effect of the toxin will not appear immediately, but after 3-5 days . This is due to the presence of some reserves of vitamin K in the body.
Defeat often occurs due to the inexperience of young individuals, who often eat everything bright and interesting. Therefore, it turns out that the poisoning occurs accidentally, because the poison was not intended for them.
It is much sadder when the poison is deliberately planted in order to take revenge on the owners of the 4-legged one. To confirm this, there is a video called “Terrible Revenge.” Not long ago, the news showed a terrible story of the painful death of purebred dogs. It turns out that their neighbors were poisoning them to spite their owners. Some animals died immediately, but people had been fighting for one pet for the third day, following all medical recommendations. Details can be found in the video:
Signs and symptoms of poisoning
“How to help a friend?” - Many people ask a similar question. In order to determine the nature of the disease, it is important to know the features of the poisoning clinic. So, if poisoned with anticoagulant rat poison, the dog will experience:
- severe malaise;
- dyspnea;
- bleeding;
- anorexia.
In more severe cases, bleeding from the intestine will certainly begin, and there will be bloody impurities in the urine. Subcutaneous hemorrhages will be noticeable, and a strong cough is possible.
Phosphide is rarely used to bait rodents. But if the substance does enter the dog’s body, it will begin to:
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- thirst.
rat poisoning clinic includes:
- labored breathing;
- weak pulse;
- convulsions.
The first signs of something wrong will appear within the first hours.
First aid for a dog in case of poisoning
The animal can be saved. According to statistics, after eating such a poisoned element, the outcome is quite favorable. At first, immediately after getting hit, it is necessary to provide first aid as soon as possible. It includes:
- calling the gag reflex;
- washing the gastric tract with a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
- adsorbent therapy (give the animal Polysorb, Enterosorb);
- laxative treatment (saline laxatives are often given).
Before the veterinarian arrives, it is advisable to give the dog a drink of mucous infusions. Flax infusion is perfect; you can replace it with rice or oatmeal.
Alternative medicine specialists confidently point to the healing properties of vodka against toxic elements. So, it is enough to serve a teaspoon of alcohol three times a day for several days and the symptoms of the disease will subside.
First aid
To save a dog after poisoning, it is important to provide first aid correctly. The degree of damage to the body depends on it. Drinking plenty of fluids, vomiting and gastric lavage will help reduce the effect of the toxin. If you suspect that your dog has eaten poison, induce a gag reflex as quickly as possible. A pinch of table salt on the root of the tongue will provoke it.
You can rinse the stomach with warm water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate, for this:
- Take a 20 ml syringe and fill it with liquid (use without a needle).
- Secure the animal and inject the solution into the mouth with a stream.
- After swallowing the water, press on the root of the tongue (with the back of a spoon or a special wooden spatula), you can use salt.
For puppies, 20 ml of liquid will be enough, for medium breeds 40 ml, for large breeds 60-80 ml.
Remember that a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate can cause a burn to the mucous membrane, so use it with caution.
You can also perform intestinal lavage using an enema. You will need a bulb with a volume of 50-100 ml, fill it with water and carefully insert it into the rectum. It is advisable to have someone hold the pet during the procedure. Wait 2-3 minutes, the dog goes to the toilet, repeat the process.
It is better to do an enema on absorbent diapers. If your dog is strictly toilet trained and may be able to hold back the urge at home, then you will need to take him outside.
You cannot give any medicine yourself, since you do not know exactly how its active substance will interact with the toxin. The exception is sorbents, which are capable of partially removing poison from the body. Using a syringe, give the animal a Smecta solution or crushed activated carbon. Its dosage is calculated based on the dog’s weight: 1 tablet per 10 kg. While you wait for the doctor, give the animal something to drink, this will help remove the poison from the body and replenish the fluid that was lost during vomiting and diarrhea.
All rules apply if there are no symptoms of gastric bleeding. With it, rinsing and enemas are prohibited; sorbents and clean water can be given.
Antidote elements
When an animal is affected by anticoagulant elements, the only true salvation is the urgent administration of vitamin K1 - phytomenadione, which must be administered subcutaneously. The dosage depends entirely on the weight of the animal.
There is no specific antidote for rat infection. To save the victim, intensive tannin feeding is practiced. This element specifically binds all toxins in the stomach.
To save someone poisoned by a rat, you will need to immediately feed the victim with copper sulfate or soda.
In such a situation, it is extremely important to provide qualified assistance to the poisoned person in a timely manner. It is important to identify the type of poison and distinguish poisoning from hematological diseases. Only an experienced doctor can make a final diagnosis and prescribe adequate, comprehensive therapy.
Often, when blood vessels are damaged, doctors prescribe complex therapy. It includes:
- Long-term course of taking vitamin preparations with K1. The duration is sometimes up to 5 weeks. It all depends on the severity of the condition, data from objective examination methods and laboratory blood parameters.
- During the first hours after poisoning, it is advisable to perform a blood transfusion. In difficult situations, a transfusion is required for the dog. The technique allows you to restore the concentration of red blood cells and compensate for the deficiency of coagulation factors.
- We must not forget about symptomatic therapy: victims are always prescribed anticonvulsants and heart medications. If necessary, hepatoprotectors, diuretics and sorbents are added. The combination of medications is always selected individually - it all depends on the complexity of the condition and the body’s response to therapy.
Further treatment
After providing emergency care, you must visit a doctor and tell him about all the symptoms and their duration. In a good clinic, a veterinarian will immediately take a blood test to understand what kind of toxin was ingested.
In case of poisoning with anticoagulants, an antidote is administered - vitamin K (Phytomenadione). In therapeutic doses, it has the opposite effect of rodenticide and neutralizes its negative effects. The amount of the required drug is calculated depending on the weight of the dog and the type of poison. That is why, if the poison was in bags, the packaging was preserved, be sure to bring it to the doctor. Unfortunately, in Russia “Phytomenadione” is not available everywhere, so vitamin Kᵌ (Vikasol) can be used. The dosage varies from 0.25 to 5 mg per kg of weight.
The antidote for zinc phosphide is a solution of copper sulfate. Tannin is used to neutralize Rasid. This drug has a broad effect and is used for various types of intoxication; it binds poison in the stomach and helps remove it from the body.
Next, therapy will be aimed at eliminating the symptoms of poisoning. For this purpose:
- sorbents for cleansing the body;
- diuretics and saline laxatives;
- rehydration solutions;
- painkillers.
Separately, the doctor notes the consequences of intoxication; some of the medications will be aimed at maintaining the general condition and restoring individual organs. May be assigned:
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- corticosteroids;
- antibacterial drugs;
- enzymes;
- heart medications.
In severe cases, the animal is left in the hospital for several days. Sometimes a blood transfusion may be needed. If the damage was not so severe, the specialist will write a prescription and send you home. In the future, you will need to undergo additional examination to determine the presence or absence of complications. For this:
- They give a general blood and urine test. The first diagnoses the condition of the body as a whole, the development of anemia. The second checks the functioning of the kidneys.
- Blood biochemistry determines the quality of functioning of the pancreas, kidneys and liver.
- If an acute lesion is suspected, an ultrasound of the internal organs is performed.
- If heart failure is diagnosed, an ECG and ECHO of the heart are done.
- If a stroke is suspected, an X-ray of the head is prescribed.
The owner should be aware that the bleeding disorder usually lasts for life. It can manifest itself in pallor of the mucous membranes, bleeding gums, and bleeding from injuries.
Video: symptoms of rat poison poisoning in dogs and methods of treatment
First aid kit
Experts have developed a special list of medications that should be in the home of every dog owner. Such items and medications will make the owner of a 4-legged friend fully prepared to provide first aid in case of poisoning. This list included:
- 3% peroxide solution;
- a set of syringes of different sizes, which are intended for washing the eyes;
- a rubber bulb necessary for cleaning the mouth;
- several packages of activated carbon;
- thermometer;
- numbers of veterinarians, emergency services for 4-legged animals.
Prevention of poisoning in dogs
“How to protect your pet from tragedy?” Dog poisoning can always be prevented. If you have poison at home, it is important to hide it in hard-to-reach places. All rooms with bait should be tightly closed so that curious animals do not have access to them.
To use, you definitely need gloves, overalls, a respirator or a mask. It is strictly forbidden for other animals to be nearby during baiting; they must not be allowed to drink or eat near the baiting.
It is important to put the corpses of all poisoned rodents in separate bags and bury them deeply so that curious dogs cannot dig them up.
If harmful elements get on the animal’s skin or fur, it is important to immediately rinse them with sufficient water. At the slightest sign of health problems or if poison is suspected, you cannot do without consulting a specialist. This is the only way to protect your pet from possible serious consequences. After all, timely assistance provided is at least 50% of the success of therapy. The owner’s responsibilities include closely monitoring the pet during walks, monitoring its health and well-being. This is the only way to spot something wrong in a timely manner.
Poisoning is a dangerous condition that is important to identify and treat promptly. Everything depends entirely on the concentration and type of toxic element. The effect of the element can often be noticed only after a couple of days. Therefore, only timely identification of health problems guarantees successful healing. Preparing for the worst often results in the best possible outcome—that your pet will always be healthy and happy.
How does the disease manifest itself?
Experts determine the types of poisoning in animals. Food is the entry of a dangerous substance into the gastrointestinal tract. A low-quality food product, a foreign object or household chemicals can become a dangerous irritant to the pet’s internal organs. The second type is associated with the penetration of poison into the blood, which is very dangerous and more difficult to remove from the body.
At the first symptoms, signs that the dog has eaten poison, the owner must immediately begin to act to save a family member. There is a danger of poisoning if the toxic substance comes into contact with the skin. You should immediately wash the wound and apply a dry bandage.
