12/03/2026
‼️Rat Bait Warning ‼️
With an increase in the rodent activity at the moment there is a lot of Rat bait being used. Whilst rat bait might be effective for rodent control, it poses a very real and potentially deadly threat to your pets.
There are a few different types of Rat Bait used.
1. Anticoagulant rodenticides - work by preventing blood from clotting. Cause death in rodents from internal or external bleeding. 1st Generation - warfarin, coumatetralyl and diphacinone. 2nd Generation - brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum and flocoumafen
2. Zinc phosphide - Causes production of phosphine gas in the stomach leading to coma & death
3. Bromethalin: A neurotoxin that causes brain swelling.
4. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): Causes fatal kidney failure.
The most common rodenticide poisoning we see at Wheatbelt Vet is Anticoagulant rodenticides. Bleeding can occur anywhere in the body and most animals are not presented to the veterinarian until clinical signs develop, which may be days after ingestion.
It is important to watch for:
- pale gums
- bleeding noses
- bruises under the skin
- bleeding that will not stop from small wounds
- bloody Diarrhoea
- blood in urine or faeces
- rapid or laboured breathing
- lethargy or collapse
- lameness
- seizures
🐶What to do if you pet eats Rat Bait 🙀
If you have seen your pet eat Rat Bait or a dead rodent that has possibly eaten rat bait then present to a vet immediately to induce vomiting .
If you notice signs of bleeding from your animal & there is bait on/around your property then present to the vet for blood testing.
Keep your pet calm to limit movement and reduce the risk of internal bleeding.
Remove any remaining bait or dead rodents from the property/where it is accessibly to your pet.
Please always lets us know if you have Rat Bait at home, especially if your animal is coming for surgery. Bring the bait packaging or find out the active ingredient .
For further reading head to APMVA website linked below to learn about Rodenticide in Agricultural areas.
https://www.apvma.gov.au/resources/frequently-searched-chemicals/rodenticides
