Rat Poison and Pets Don’t Mix: Kitsune’s Lifesaving Lesson

It was 2 a.m. when Kitsune’s family rushed through the doors of DoveLewis, frightened and unsure what would happen next. Their 8-year-old dog had just eaten rat poison, and the type she ingested can be deadly even in small amounts.

A Frightening Diagnosis

The poison was quickly identified as bromethalin, one of the most dangerous types of rodenticide. Unlike anticoagulant rodenticides, which can cause internal bleeding, bromethalin affects the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to brain swelling, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and death.

Even small doses can be fatal, and symptoms may not appear for one to five days after ingestion. That delay can be especially dangerous because serious damage may already be developing before a pet looks sick.

Because of that risk, every minute mattered.

“They were not only honest about how serious it was and what our chances were of her survival, not high, but so kind, gentle, and quick with her treatments,” Kitsune’s family later wrote in a Google review.

Intensive Care and a Fighting Spirit

Kitsune was treated immediately to remove and reduce as much toxin exposure as possible. Our team induced vomiting, administered multiple doses of activated charcoal to help bind the toxin in her digestive tract, and provided supportive care to help her body through the critical period. She also received IV fluids to support hydration and ongoing treatment.

It wasn’t easy. Kitsune is famously not a fan of veterinary visits, but her care team worked patiently and gently, using sedation when needed to keep her safe and comfortable while still closely monitoring her neurologic status.

For two days, Kitsune remained in the DoveLewis ICU under round-the-clock observation. Her family visited often, offering comfort between treatments and waiting through each anxious update.

“They took amazing care of her,” her family wrote. “Despite her being incredibly difficult and hating the vet with a burning passion. Because of our luck, her grit, and their diligent care, she has miraculously, and I mean against-all-odds miraculously, survived the first 48 hours.”

Back Home and Healing

After two tense days, Kitsune was stable enough to go home. Her family continued watching her closely for several weeks because bromethalin can cause delayed neurologic signs even after initial treatment.

Thankfully, Kitsune continued to recover.

A month later, her family shared an update:

“Kitsune is alive a month later and miraculously back to her normal self! Can’t believe our fortune!! Thank you so much to the folks at DoveLewis. ❤️”

A Warning for Pet Parents

Kitsune’s story is a powerful reminder of how dangerous and common rat poison ingestion can be. Rodenticides may be found in garages, sheds, closets, crawl spaces, under sinks, or around homes and businesses. Many are designed to attract rodents, which means they may also appeal to curious pets.

If you think your pet may have eaten rat poison:

• Call for help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. Contact your veterinarian, DoveLewis, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
• Save the packaging if possible. The active ingredient determines the type of treatment your pet may need.
• Do not try home treatment without veterinary guidance. Different rodenticides affect the body in different ways, and the wrong approach can delay critical care.
• Store all poisons securely. Keep rodenticides in locked areas pets cannot access, and avoid placing bait anywhere a pet could reach it.

Kitsune’s recovery was possible because her family acted quickly and her care team was able to begin treatment right away. She is now back to her bright, mischievous self, and her story is an important reminder to keep household toxins safely out of reach.