Dog got into a bait station
Bait stations hide how much was eaten. Bring plastic fragments and any remaining block to the hotline.
Do this first
| Scenario | Rodenticide (rat/mouse bait) ingestion |
|---|---|
| Vet vs poison control vs ER | Always call poison control first when the bait type is unknown — anticoagulant, bromethalin, cholecalciferol, and zinc phosphide require different plans. Then follow clinic or ER instructions. Bleeding, seizures, or sudden collapse means ER now. |
Immediate action steps
- Collect station pieces and remaining bait
- Note brand stickers and active ingredient if listed
- Call poison control immediately
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed
- Follow ER instructions for that bait class
Unknown dose planning
Clinicians often plan for a worst-plausible amount when stations are destroyed.
Photograph the station model if the label is gone.
Yard sweep
Check for other stations before another pet repeats the raid.
Keep wildlife bait practices away from pet access after this crisis.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Contact your vet for anything urgent or unclear.
FAQ
- Tamper-resistant means pet-proof?
- Clearly not if your dog opened it. Reassess placement and product choice with safer alternatives.