Toxicity to pets

Strychnine is a very dangerous rodenticide used to intentionally kill gophers, ground squirrels, and even larger mammals (e.g., coyotes, wolves, etc.). While strychnine is supposed to be used below-ground (e.g., buried), it is sometimes used to maliciously poison dogs. It is found in a treated, colored (green, pink, etc.) seed or pellet in a 0.5% concentration. Strychnine is very rapidly absorbed from the stomach, and can result in clinical signs within 15 minutes to 2 hours. As little as a few tablespoons of strychinine-laced bait can cause poisoning. Clinical signs include nervousness, anxiety, drooling, severe seizures and tremors, elevated body temperature, and acute death. Aggressive and prompt treatment by a veterinarian is imperative for survival.