Saturday, November 13, 2010

Beware of Rodenticide Poisonings

Just this week, one of our clients brought in their 3 year old dog who had recently consumed D-Con Ready Mixed Baitbits. This is just one of many rodenticides that are very dangerous when consumed by our domestic pets. Luckily, the owner saw their pet do this and brought them in to the hospital, where vomiting was induced and the pet placed on Vitamin K, the treatment to prevent hemorrhage later.

Commonly used rodenticides work by causing anticoagulant induced hemorrhage. In plain English, when an animal consumes one of the many rodent baits on the market, within a few days they will begin to bleed. Sometimes this bleeding is visible, and might be seen as a bloody nose, blood from the anus, or blood in the urine. Most of the time, the bleeding is internal and not visible externally. Once bleeding starts, it is very difficult to control and pets often die.

At Care Animal Hospital, we recommend that pet owners NOT use these rodenticides. They are extremely tasty and dogs and cats both will consume them readily. Even when you think you've tucked them underneath a cabinet or behind the washer or under the sink, accidents do happen and pets can be very, very clever in finding ways to get the baits out of their hiding places.

So, for the fall and winter, go on a hunt for any rodent poisons you might have hidden and dispose of them safely. Your pets will thank you!

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