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Dog ate rat and mouse poison? Toxic: what to do now
All rat and mouse poisons can be deadly to dogs. The main types work in different ways, so the product label decides the treatment.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Rat and mouse poison and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood, diarrhea, weakness or low energy, bleeding, such as nosebleeds and trouble breathing. All 8
- How fast
- Minutes to several days, depending on the type
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline, ASPCA, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate rat and mouse poison?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the packaging, label or receipt and bring it with you.
- Don't wait for signs. Some types take days to show, and early treatment matters.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't guess the type from the bait's color or shape.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or low energy
- Bleeding, such as nosebleeds
- Trouble breathing
- Stumbling or tremors
- Seizures
- Drinking and peeing more
When signs appear: Minutes to several days, depending on the type
Why
Baits contain anticoagulants (stop blood clotting), bromethalin (brain swelling), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3, kidney damage) or phosphides (toxic gas in the stomach). You can't tell them apart by color or shape.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Mouse and Rat Poison
- ASPCA: Rodenticide and Your Pet: What You Need to Know
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Rodenticide Poisoning
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.