Rat Poison (Bromethalin) Poisoning in Pets: Emergency Vet Advice for 2025 🐀☠️🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Modern rodenticides are more toxic than ever to pets—and one of the deadliest is bromethalin. While designed to be “wildlife safer,” this poison has no antidote, acts quickly, and is extremely dangerous to dogs and cats. 🧪🐾

🧪 What Is Bromethalin?

Bromethalin is a neurotoxic rat poison that disrupts oxygen use in the brain. This causes swelling (cerebral edema), which can lead to seizures, paralysis, coma, or death. 😟

Unlike older anticoagulant rodenticides, bromethalin does not cause bleeding—but it also has no antidote.

🧃 Forms & Products That May Contain Bromethalin

• 🧱 Pellets, blocks, and bars
• 🪱 Earthworm-shaped baits (for moles)
• 📦 Found in loose packaging or enclosed bait stations

🧠 It only takes a small amount to be fatal to pets.

⚠️ Signs of Bromethalin Poisoning

🔴 Convulsant Form (High Dose)

• ⚡ Seizures
• 🌡️ Elevated body temperature
• 💥 Muscle tremors, collapse
• 😵 Hyperexcitability

Symptoms appear within hours. Death is likely without immediate treatment.

🟠 Paralytic Form (Lower Dose)

• 🤮 Vomiting
• 🐾 Hind leg weakness or paralysis
• 🔁 Nystagmus (eye flicking)
• 🎯 Unequal pupil size

Signs appear 1–4 days after ingestion. Survival is possible with intensive care.

🩺 Emergency Treatment

Time is critical! Treatment must begin within hours of ingestion:

• 🤮 Induce vomiting (only if directed by a vet)
• 🧴 Administer multiple doses of activated charcoal over days
• 🧠 Manage seizures and swelling with sedatives, diuretics, and IV support
• 🍽️ Feeding tubes may be required for nutrition support

📉 Even with treatment, pets may suffer permanent neurological damage. Some may never fully recover.

🚫 Prevention Is Critical

• 🔒 Never allow pet access to any kind of bait—even inside bait stations
• 🧼 Clean up any spills and store rodenticides high or locked away
• 🧪 Use alternative rodent control methods (traps, professional services)

📞 Poison Control Emergency Numbers

• 📱 ASPCA Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435
• 📱 HomeAgain Hotline (Free for microchipped pets): 1-888-466-3242

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

If you suspect your pet has eaten ANY type of rat bait, don’t wait—call a vet immediately. Symptoms may be delayed but irreversible damage is already happening. 🧪

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app to speak with a vet in real time about poisoning symptoms and get emergency guidance now. 🐶📱

✅ Rat Poison Safety Summary

• ✔ Bromethalin causes deadly brain swelling
• ✔ There is no antidote
• ✔ Emergency care must begin ASAP
• ✔ Prevent exposure by locking away all baits
• ✔ Use non-toxic alternatives in pet-accessible areas

Rodent control should never come at the cost of your pet’s life. With awareness, prevention, and fast action, you can keep your home safe for everyone—fur and family alike. 🐾🧪

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to be prepared in case of a poisoning emergency. 📱🩺