Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog ate rat poison. How long until she's safe from toxicity?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 11 months old | 60 lbs

Last night my dog ate a 1oz block of rat poison containing bromethalin. We induced vomit and she threw up some of it. We called our vet this morning and she told us to give her lots of liquids to flush her system out. She's not acting any differently from normal, shes eating, drinking, and playing. How long until we are in the clearing and we'll know she's 100% fine?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 9th, 2019

It can take between 1-7 days for signs of toxicity to occur, so you won't know if Bella is safe until about a week later. Keep an eye on her for signs of toxicity which include muscle tremors, hyper excitability, seizures, depression, hindlimb weakness, and ataxia. If you see any of those signs, rush her into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 4th, 2018

    It can take up to three or four days for symptoms of rat poison to show, so it's certainly still possible that Bella could be poisoned if she ate the rat poison. Without knowing the active ingredient in the poison, I can't say what signs specifically to look for, but I can say that she should see a vet immediately. If there is any chance at all she ingested this toxin, she needs to be treated by a vet now to be safe. Please bring her and the box of rat poison into a vet immediately. Best of luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2018

    Yes, you can have a dog vomit it completely and not have any effects, but to be safe, I'd take Winston into a vet now to get checked out. It can take days for signs of rat poisoning to appear. Best of luck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025

Related Brands and Products

Dog Supplies Dog Food Dog Health & Wellness Dog First Aid & Recovery Dog Vitamins & Supplements Dog Pain Medicine & Relief Electrolytes for Dogs Dog Stool Eating Deterrent Dog Seizure Medication Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Methocarbamol Dog First Aid & Recovery Rodentex Prednisone Dog First Aid & Recovery Methocarbamol Dog Pain Medicine & Relief PetAlive Dog First Aid & Recovery DOG by Dr Lisa Dog First Aid & Recovery Vetality Dog Pain Medicine & Relief Vetality Dog First Aid & Recovery Canine Aspirin Dog First Aid & Recovery DoggyRade Dog Vitamins & Supplements
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored