The breaking of the drought in Victoria has allowed a rapid expansion of rodent and small mammal populations.  Unfortunately this has led to widespread use of rat bait.   Baits are designed to smell and taste attractive to mammals and birds (both native and introduced) and are lethal to all.   If bait is not placed in a "safe" place, preferably in a bait station, it can and will be eated and sometimes moved by possums, native rats, magpies, kurrajongs, parrots, dogs and cats to name a few.

We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of direct poinonings both in pets and wildlife over the last few months.   If you suspect your pet has eaten bait in the last few hours it is worthwhile inducing vomiting immediately.   Signs to look out for are green debris around your pet's mouth and damaged rat bait boxes.   A blood test taken after 3 days will tell us if your pet has been affected.   If their clotting time is prolonged they will be started on a Vitamin K supplement for up to 6 weeks, depending on the type of bait ingested. 

We are also seeing secondary intoxication because of repeat ingestion of rodents with high blood levels of toxin.  If you or your neighbours are using bait, be aware that your cats and / or dogs may well be catching and eating affected rodents.   A blood test to check clotting times may be judicious if you have an avid hunter at home.   All rodenticides inhibit Vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting and it will take 2-5 days for this to be detectable.   Signs that take several days to develop may include, swelling and pale gums, bleeding from teeth, bottom or nose, distended tummy, tiredness and sometimes coughing. 

Needless to say, prevention is much better than cure.   Please be aware of the dangers to your pets and local wildlife - use humane, baitless traps where possible and if you must use bait, USE dog-proof stations which are available from hardware stores to help keep it way from non target species.  Note however, that large dogs have been known to chew through the bait stations.   Best of all, avoid baits altogether and let your cats and terriers do the job they were born to!

Please also note that because of the increase of pets affected by baits that there is currently a state-wide shortage of Vitamin K which severely limits the options available for treatment.

Rat bait poisoning is considered an emergency.  If you think your pet may have ingested rat bait or any type of poison, please phone us and bring your animal in immediately.