26/06/2023
🐀🐭 Rats, Bait and Leptospirosis… 🐭🐀
Now that the weather has cooled, rats and mice are trying to find shelter closer to homes/sheds.
We have seen a number of dogs lately that have eaten rat bait or have eaten rats that have likely ingested some.
If it’s not possible to use pet safe options and you need to lay bait, please double check how and where it is being laid and stored.
The effects of rat bait aren’t immediate but we can induce vomiting to minimise absorption if eaten relatively recently.
If you are unsure if your pet has eaten rat bait, look out for the following symptoms and call your vet clinic:
🌡 Lethargy
🌡 Green or blue faeces
🌡 Pale or bleeding gums
🌡 Coughing/Difficulty breathing
🌡 Blood in urine and faeces
🌡 Inappetence
🌡 Vomiting
These signs may not start to show until 2-5 days after ingesting the poison.
Note: Keep rat bait packaging, to take into your vet clinic if a visit is required.
💉 This is also a timely reminder to ensure you consider vaccinating your dogs against leptospirosis as rats are a carrier of the disease 💉
Leptospirosis is transmissible to humans as well!
It can be contracted by coming in contact with rat urine, infected cattle urine and by frequenting waterways, as rats can and do swim.
If you’re unsure or have any questions please give your vet clinic a call ☎️