Dr. Timothy Hawks, DVM: What to Do When Your Dog Has Consumed Poison
Winter brings a shift in how we manage our properties. As the temperature drops, mice and rats seek warmth in our attics, garages, barns, and sheds. Naturally, this leads to an increase in the use of rodenticides to keep these pests at bay. While these products are effective against rodents, they pose a severe risk to our canine companions.
If you are a dog owner, knowing how to react to accidental poisoning can save your pet’s life. Dr. Timothy Hawks, DVM, shares critical advice on prevention and the immediate steps you must take if the unthinkable happens.
The Dangers of Winter Rodent Control
Rodenticides are designed to be palatable to pests, which unfortunately makes them attractive to dogs as well. A dog’s keen sense of smell can lead them straight to a bait block you thought was hidden safely away.
Prevention is always the best strategy. Whenever you use rodent control products, always use the secure black bait boxes. These are designed to allow rodents in while keeping larger animals, like dogs and cats, from accessing the poison directly. Loose blocks or pellets are a recipe for disaster in a household with pets.
However, accidents happen. A dog might chew through a box, find an old block you forgot about, or get into a neighbor’s supply. When this occurs, quick action is imperative.
Immediate Action Plan: What to Do If Your Dog Swallows Poison
Time is your enemy when poison is involved. If you suspect or know your dog has ingested rodenticide, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Follow these steps immediately.
1. Induce Vomiting with Hydrogen Peroxide
The goal is to get the toxin out of the dog’s stomach before it can be fully absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Dosage: A general rule of thumb is approximately 2-3 tablespoons for a 30-40 lb dog.
- Method: Use a syringe or turkey baster to squirt the hydrogen peroxide into the back of the dog’s mouth or cheek pouch.
2. Monitor and Repeat if Necessary
Wait for the dog to vomit. If nothing happens after 5-10 minutes, repeat the dosage. Getting the stomach contents out is the most critical first step in reducing the toxicity.
3. Check the Label for Antidotes
If you have the packaging for the rodenticide, grab it immediately. Read the active ingredients and antidote information.
- Vitamin K1: Many common rodenticides work by inhibiting blood clotting (anticoagulants). The label often lists Vitamin K as the antidote.
- Action: If the label specifies Vitamin K, you may need to drench your dog with Vitamin K1 if you have it available, but this is usually a follow-up treatment administered under veterinary guidance.
4. Administer Activated Charcoal
Once the vomiting has subsided, the next step is to bind any remaining toxins in the stomach so they don’t enter the system.
- Give your dog activated charcoal. This substance is highly porous and traps chemicals, preventing their absorption.
5. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately
Even if your dog has vomited and seems fine, you must contact your vet. They can determine if further treatment is needed, such as IV fluids or prescription-strength Vitamin K therapy.
6. Call Poison Control as a Backup
If it is after hours, a holiday, or you cannot reach your vet, do not wait. Contact a pet poison helpline immediately.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- Note: Fees may apply for these calls, but the advice is invaluable.
A Note on Preparedness
Every second counts in a poisoning emergency. We recommend keeping a “pet first aid kit” in your home or barn that includes fresh hydrogen peroxide (it loses potency over time) and activated charcoal.
By using bait stations responsibly and knowing exactly what to do in an emergency, you can keep your dogs safe and healthy all winter long.
Looking for affordable vet care? Dr. Timothy Hawks, DVM, visits Johnson Feed Company on the third Tuesday of each month to offer services for dogs and cats. These include rabies shots, annual vaccinations, heartworm treatment, and more.
