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Rats are a huge problem in some areas. When someone has problems with these pests, they may turn to commercially prepared products such as Ratsak. If not used correctly, a dog may find this and eat it. But can Ratsak make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten Ratsak? Are you worried that Ratsak will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about Ratsak and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Ratsak?
Ratsak is a rodenticide that contains poison. It’s used to kill rats, mice, and other pests. The active ingredient in Ratsak is brodifacoum, a second-generation anticoagulant. This poison prevents blood clotting by decreasing vitamin K levels in the animal’s blood.
As a result, the rodent dies of multiple causes directly related to blood loss.
While Ratsak is safe when used as directed, what happens if a dog eats this rodenticide?
Ratsak & Dogs
Unfortunately, Ratsak can also kill dogs. It causes similar symptoms in dogs, leading to death if the dog doesn’t receive medical treatment.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Ratsak Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats Ratsak:
- Pale gums or pinpoint hemorrhages on gums
- Lethargy
- Bruising under the skin, ears, or eyes
- Blood in vomit, urine, feces
- Bleeding from the nose
- Continuous bleeding from open wounds
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing & breathing difficulties
- Lameness
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call the dog immediately. This is an emergency.
Try to figure out how much of the poison your dog has eaten and what time this occurred. This information can help the vet.
Treatment of Ratsak Ingestion in Dogs
The vet will work to decontaminate your dog’s situation. This may include gastric lavage and IV fluids. In addition, vitamin K is given and may be combined with blood transfusions. Your dog will also need to be hospitalized until his condition improves.
In the following weeks, your dog may also need continued treatment with vitamin K. It depends on his condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical treatment. In the future, it’s best to put the Ratsak where your dog can’t get to it. And in some cases, it may be better to call a professional to deal with the rodent problem. Prevention is always the best medicine.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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