PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate rat poison (bromethalin type)? Toxic: what to do now
Bromethalin rat poison makes a dog's brain swell, causing tremors and seizures or slowly worsening paralysis. There is no antidote.
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 poison: bromethalin type and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Vomiting, low energy or weakness, wobbly walking, tremors and seizures. All 7
- How fast
- Within 24 hours for tremors and seizures; 1 to 7 days for weakness and paralysis
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate rat poison (bromethalin type)?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the packaging and bring it with you.
- Go right away, even if your dog seems fine. Early treatment is very important.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Low energy or weakness
- Wobbly walking
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Overheating or running fits
- Back-leg weakness or paralysis
When signs appear: Within 24 hours for tremors and seizures; 1 to 7 days for weakness and paralysis
Why
Bromethalin is absorbed quickly and turned into a more toxic form in the liver. It causes brain swelling, and with no antidote, early decontamination is very important.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Bromethalin Rodenticide Poisonings in Dogs
- Pet Poison Helpline: Bromethalin
- 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.