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My dog ate a rat and is vomiting blood. Could it be rat poison?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 7 years and 5 months old | 100 lbs

My dog ate a rat 2 days ago and was fine. This morning she started to vomit and some blood came out. We gave her water and the vomiting stopped. Should I be worried even though she is utd with her shots. The only one she needs is her rabies vaccine which she was going for this weekend.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 11th, 2017

It seems possible that Bella has ingested rat poison (through eating a rat) I would take him to the veterinarian as soon as you can. The symptoms of rat poison ingestion in dogs include loss of appetite, impaired movement, paralysis of the animal’s hind limbs, slight muscle tremors, generalized seizures, and a depression of the central nervous system. Consuming if a large amount may cause a sudden onset of muscle tremors, and even seizures. Clinical signs usually develop within two to seven days if ingesting the rat poison, or bromethalin ingestion, however it is possible that signs will not develop for up to two weeks following ingestion. If poisoning is mild, with minimal bromethalin ingestion, symptoms may resolve within one to two weeks of onset, although some animals may continue to show signs for four to six weeks. Here are some tips to help if you believe that Bella ingested poison. https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-you-should-know-and-do-if-your-pet-is-poisoned

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 6th, 2016

    Mouse poison is toxic to dogs, and Junior should see a vet immediately. If he just ate it, he can be induced to vomit to get it out of his stomach, and the vet can give him activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the poison. Please take him into the vet now.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 26th, 2016

    If you think that Tina has eaten rat poison, she needs to be seen by an emergency vet right away. If she ingested it within the past few hours, the vet can induce vomiting and give her activated charcoal to limit the amount that is absobed, then start her on medication if needed to prevent any problems. If she's already showing symptoms, she may need to be hospitalized for a blood transfusion or other supportive care.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 28th, 2017

    If your dog has eaten rat poison seek veterinary care immediately at your local vet or ER clinic. Even if he is not showing outward signs, rat poison can affect the body's ability to clot blood and can lead to internal hemorrhaging and death without treatment.

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