Dogs and rat poison blocks

Hi there, I'm glad you reached out—let's talk about your pup and those rat poison blocks. Rat poison is definitely dangerous for dogs, so if you suspect your dog might have ingested any, it's important to act quickly. The active ingredients in these poisons vary but can potentially cause internal bleeding, neurological damage, or organ failure.



First, check for signs of poisoning, which can vary. These might include bleeding (from the gums or other areas), lethargy, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, or vomiting. Such symptoms can appear immediately or take a few days to develop, depending on the poison type and amount ingested.



In an at-home situation, without inducing panic, make sure to keep your dog calm and prevent access to more poison. If it's been less than a couple of hours since ingestion, a vet might recommend inducing vomiting—but this should be guided by a veterinary professional due to the risks.



Even if your dog seems okay, ingestion of rat poison is always an emergency, and you'd need to contact a veterinarian promptly. If you're not close to any clinic, consider booking a video consultation with one of our vets here on Dial A Vet. They can provide specific guidance and may advise an in-person vet visit for further treatment. Your dog's health and safety come first!