Toxicity to pets

Poisoning from rodenticides (mouse and rat poisons) is one of the most common types of toxicities managed by Pet Poison Helpline®. These poisons are easy to obtain and used anywhere there might be rodents—in homes, garages, stables, farms, vehicles, and even parks or wildlife areas. There are many different types of mouse and rat poisons available in a wide variety of colors (green, blue, tan, and red are commonly seen) and formulations (pellets, bait blocks, grain-based baits, soft bait, etc.).

Products that look similar and have similar names may contain very different types of poison. Unfortunately, the active ingredient cannot be identified based on the look of the product alone. If the active ingredient is not clearly visible on the packaging, another important identifier called the EPA registration number (EPA Reg. No.), in the U.S., can be very helpful. This number will allow Pet Poison Helpline® staff to correctly identify the active ingredient.

There are four common active ingredients in mouse and rat poisons: long-acting anticoagulants, cholecalciferol, bromethalin, and phosphides. Each has a different mechanism of action of poisoning, and not all are treated with Vitamin K1! It is important to make sure you and your veterinarian have correctly identified the active ingredient in the product ingested to make sure treatment is appropriate.   Corn cellulose and corn gluten are used less commonly and do not have a concern for poisoning.

For more information about specific poisons, please see the individual poison pages: long-acting anticoagulants, cholecalciferol, bromethalin, and phosphides).

If your pet has ingested mouse and rat poison, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® immediately for potentially life-saving advice.

Common signs to watch for:

• vomiting
• anorexia
• incoordination
• tremors
• seizures
• altered mentation
• paralysis
• Increased drinking and urination
• Bruising
• New swelling
• Difficulty breathing