Often, people call us concerned about what may happen if their cat or dog eats a poisoned rat. If your dog or cat eats a poisoned rat, it may not be as harmful as you may think.
Secondary Poisoning
When a non-targeting animal directly eats baits, it is known as primary poisoning. When a rodent has eaten the bait, and your pet consumes the rodent secondary, this is known as secondary poisoning.
How many baited rodents would my pet have to consume?
Even though it is possible, it is unlikely for your cat or dog to get secondary poisoning as your pet would have to consume a sufficient amount of baited rodents.
| % of Body Weight of Bait Consumed | <1% | 1-5% | 5-10% | >10% |
| 4.5kg Pet | 2 rats 5 mice | 2-9 rats 5-22 mice | 9-18 rats 22-44 mice | More than 18 rats More than 44 mice |
| 11.3kg Pet | 4 rats 11 mice | 4-22 rats 11-56 mice | 22-45 rats 56-112 mice | More than 45 rats More than 112 mice |
| 18.1kg Pet | 7 rats 18 mice | 7-36 rats 18-91 mice | 36-73 rats 91-182 mice | More than 73 rats More than 182 mice |
| 45.4kg Pet | 18 rats 46 mice | 18-91 rats 46-227 mice | 91-182 rats 227-454 mice | More than 182 rats More than 454 mice |
| Suggested Response | Treatment is optional but probably not necessary. Observe for overt symptoms. | Treatment is optional, but pets should be observed for overt symptoms. Consider Prothrombin Time test 24 hours after ingestion. | Treatment is advisable; consult your veterinarian. Consider Prothrombin Time test 24 hours after ingestion. | Seek immediate treatment. Bring product packaging with you. |
In doubt, we always recommend you see your local vet for further advice.
How to Prevent Secondary Poisoning?
If you see any dead rodents around your backyard, the best thing is to pick them up with a glove, place them in a bag and dispose of them in the bin. It is important to ensure any rodent bait is placed in a tamper-proof rodent station or out of reach of children and pets. The best way is always to get a professional to treat rodents in your home safely. Please find out more about our safe Rodent Treatments today!