After eating rat bait it can take three to five days for the bodies existing stores of vitamin K to be depleted before bleeding occurs. This can lead to a false sense of security because initially the dogs seem 'fine'.
But don't delay. Without treatment rat bait poisoning is often fatal.
If dogs get to the vet clinic within two hours of consuming the bait then they can be made to vomit it back up.
Unfortunately though, often we have no idea that our dogs have gotten into the bait until they start to show clinical signs.
There is an antidote (vitamin K), so even if you don't make the two hour window we can start treatment to prevent a bleeding episode.
If treatment is started before clinical signs start then the dogs usually don't start to bleed and make uneventful recoveries. The signs are varied and you commonly won't see the bleeding as it is often all happening internally.
Lethargy, panting, coughing, lameness and pale white gums are the most common presenting signs. A blood test measuring clotting times will confirm the toxicity.
Dogs in which bleeding has already occurred can need intensive treatment including oxygen therapy, blood or plasma transfusions as well as the vitamin K in order to save their lives.
Because the poisons last so long in the system typically we need to treat them with vitamin K for two to six weeks, then do a follow-up blood test to make sure it is all out of the dogs system.
The take home message?
Rat bait and dogs don't mix and it is very difficult to 'dog proof' the bait.
Use dog proof bait stations, nail down bait and stations so rats can't move it. Place your stores in water tight plastic buckets as dogs and rats will easily chew through boxes and bags of bulk poisons.
Seek veterinarian attention immediately if you know your dog has eaten any bait, if you see the blue/green colour of the bait in the dogs' faeces or your dog is showing any of the clinical signs.
