Rat poison in dogs (symptoms of poisoning)
You want to know how to recognize rat poison, what symptoms your dog has with it and also what emergency tips you should definitely know? Then you've come to the right place! For this article, we also sought advice from veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic for this article.
January 18, 2026
9 min read
Updated on August 21, 2025
If your dog has eaten rat poison, you need to act quickly.
Why is rat poison dangerous?
Rat poison, also called rodenticide, is used for the elimination of rat infestations. The unwanted guests mistake the poison for food and eat it.
Most rat poisons contain coumarin derivatives as the active ingredient, which inhibit blood clotting. Once rat poison is absorbed through the intestinal wall and enters the blood, it interferes with the function of vitamin K and the associated clotting factors. As a result, blood clotting is disrupted and the animals bleed to death internally. The active ingredient has been synthetically modified so that it acts particularly slowly. Rats are very intelligent animals. If they observe their fellow rats eating something and then immediately die, they would immediately recognize it as poisonous. However, since the symptoms now only become apparent after some time, more rats can be killed at once.
Unfortunately, our furry noses also think rat poison is something edible. **The effect of the poison is the same as in rats. **Blood clotting is inhibited and organs are gradually damaged.
If the poisoning is not treated in time by a veterinarian, it is life-threatening.
So you must not lose time in any case, if you suspect that your darling has eaten rat poison. The first thing that should be done is a medical first aid with charcoal tablets. After that, the visit to the vet is vital.
The shape and color of rat poison is not uniform throughout Germany and is not subject to any standards. This is why there are so many different types. The poison can take the form of granules, tablets or pellets. It can even be a paste or liquid.
Usually rat poison is strikingly colored. The colors also vary greatly. So it can be red, yellow, purple, black, brown, green, blue or any other colors.
Not only the poison itself is deadly for your four-legged friend. He can suffer from poisoning without having eaten it directly. If he has eaten a poisoned rat, indirect poisoning can occur.
Fortunately, this happens rather rarely. Nevertheless, you should consider this possibility if your pet has eaten a dead or weakened rat.
Depending on the type of poison, the amount ingested, the size, age and weight of a dog, as well as the past time, the symptoms vary in severity. Puppies, sick and older dogs react much more strongly to the poison and are therefore particularly at risk.
Symptoms usually appear several hours after ingestion of the poison. Up to 5 days your dog may have no symptoms despite poisoning.
The body's first reaction to poisoning is vomiting. The vomit may also contain blood or grains of poison. Diarrhea is also a possible symptom.
Your pet's gums are either very pale or extremely red after poisoning. The tongue is usually bluish in color. Your four-legged friend may even foam at the mouth because he is now producing more saliva.
It could be that he is very restless and has difficulty breathing, if not shortness of breath. An irregular pulse and cardiac arrhythmia can also be consequences of poisoning.
If the poison has been ingested several hours ago, nosebleeds and blood in the urine may occur. The body temperature will be lower than usual and your faithful companion will appear listless and apathetic.
In the worst case, he trembles all over, has cramps and falls unconscious.
Symptoms summary
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blue tongue
- pale or very reddened gums
- increased saliva, foam in front of the mouth
- irregular pulse
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Restless breathing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- general unrest
- Nosebleed
- Blood in urine
- Low body temperature
- Trembling
- Cramps
- Apathy
- Unconsciousness
Few or some of these symptoms may be observed simultaneously in rat poisoning. This depends on the amount of rat poison ingested and the general health of the dog.
There are many different causes that trigger similar symptoms. So that your veterinarian can quickly initiate the right treatment, you should tell him in great detail about all the complaints.
Another possible poisoning can be caused by snail venom - also known as Slug pellets called - may have been caused. This poison acts a few hours faster than rat poison. It causes palpitations and convulsions.
Rat poisoning can also be mistaken for an insect bite or snakebite. In most cases, allergic reactions are triggered that are very similar to the symptoms of poisoning.
Poisoning from chocolate or other poisonous foods is greatly underestimated. Chocolate in particular is life-threatening for our four-legged friends. Under no circumstances should your furry friend eat food containing cocoa powder. If it does happen, vomiting, severe thirst, breathing difficulties and heart failure can be the consequences.
If you suspect that it could be another poisoning, you should tell the vet. This way he can better find out how best to help your pet.
In an emergency situation, rushing can lead to serious mistakes. The calmer you and other responders approach the situation, the more deliberate your actions will be.
Besides, your pet notices excitement immediately. The additional stress would harm him even more. Therefore, you should definitely calm your dog down. In case of emergency, you must leash him for his own safety.
2. provide first aid
If your child is unconscious, you should place them in the recovery position.
Under no circumstances should he wear a muzzle sling in this situation. **If he then vomits, he could choke on it. You should also not make him vomit, because this could block the airway.
Keep monitoring his vital signs such as pulse and respiration. If your pet is no longer breathing or you can no longer feel a pulse, you should start resuscitation measures immediately.
Perform alternating heart-pressure massage and mouth-to-nose resuscitation. It is helpful if a second person helps you.
In this case, your dog must be taken immediately to the veterinarian or to a veterinary clinic. If they are already closed, your pet must go to the animal emergency clinic.
3. administer charcoal tablets
This step is only useful if no symptoms have appeared by then.
**Charcoal tablets**also known as activated charcoal, bind to the toxin in the stomach or intestines and thus render it harmless; the active ingredient now no longer passes through the intestinal wall and is simply excreted.
Pet owners should always have activated charcoal in the home. They are available in tablet and powder form from pharmacies, drugstores and vets. The correct dose should be discussed with the vet beforehand. This should also be prepared for emergencies.
Charcoal tablets help with rat poison as well as other poisonings that enter the circulation from the intestines.
However, they in no way replace treatment at the vet. They only help to minimize the amount of poison until the vet is reached. Thus, the probability of survival of your dog is increased.
4. as soon as possible to the vet
A visit to the vet should be made as soon as possible. If too much time has passed and your dog is already showing severe symptoms, charcoal tablets will no longer work. The poison has already entered the bloodstream. Now only the vet can help.
It is helpful to call the veterinarian or veterinary clinic in advance. This way you know if they are open. In addition, the doctor can already prepare for the case and have the appropriate medication ready.
If possible, you should bring a sample of the poison, feces or vomit. This could help the vet to determine the type and severity of the poisoning.
Unfortunately, an exact detection of the poison in the laboratory takes up to a week. Therefore, he will inquire about the exact symptoms of your protégé and then inject him with high doses of vitamin K in case of strong suspicion.
If the proper therapy is administered in a timely manner, it can cure your dog and he may not have any secondary damage.
So that it does not come so far, you can avoid a poisoning of your quadruped with simple measures or at least reduce the risks.
If rat poison is laid out, signs and stickers warning of the danger are mandatory. You should therefore look out for these warnings every time you go for a walk. However, it is also possible that it has simply been forgotten or that the poison has even been put there deliberately.
If you have heard of poisoning in a certain area, you should definitely avoid it and find a new route for your walk.
You can train your furry friend from the start not to eat anything when you go for a walk. Then even rat poison will not be a problem.
You can also keep an eye on the path as you walk to quickly recognize potential poison. You should also keep an eye on your furry companion. Under no circumstances should he eat anything on the path.
You can monitor this more easily by always keeping him on a leash and in command during walks. Poisoning with rat poison can have serious consequences for our dogs. That is why it is important to always have an emergency dose of charcoal tablets. This can save the life of your pet in case of emergency.
If poisoning has occurred, it is imperative that you remain calm. The most important thing is to see a vet immediately. Only he can really help your dog. The faster the antidote is administered, the better the chances of survival.
And to prevent this from happening in the first place, you should pay special attention to possible poison when you go for a walk. If your dog is trained not to eat anything strange, nothing can happen.
By the way, here are charcoal tablets that I always have at home:
