10/08/2026
Public Service Announcement: Due to the influx of rats over the last few months we have seen increased number of rat baits in the Eastern Suburbs and just wanted everyone ot be really mindful with their pets and keeping them away from any form of rat bait or poison. We've recently been told about bait in Rose Bay and yesterday in Five Ways it was on the pavement as the bait boxes had been crushed.
🩸Rat bait acts as an anticoagulant (prevents the blood from clotting) by depleting the body’s supply of vitamin K. It can take anything from 1-5 days after ingestion to begin to see the signs of intoxication.
What are the signs of rat bait toxicity❓
Pale gums or small pin point haemorrhages on the gums
Lethargy
Bruising under the skin
Bleeding from the nose
Continued bleeding from small wounds or cuts
Vomiting and or diarrhoea
Coughing or respiratory difficulties (laboured or rapid breathing)
Lameness
Seizures or muscle tremors
🆘If you suspect your pet has eaten rat bait take them to your vet immediately. At Jersey Road Vet Hospital we have a COAG machine which specifically helps to test for clotting times and is very, very quick to get results. In emergency situations, speed is very important and this analyser works very quickly.