Anticoagulant Rodenticide Toxicity

Anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity occurs when a dog or cat ingests rat or mouse poison that interferes with the blood's ability to clot. These poisons work by blocking the recycling of vitamin K, which the body needs to produce several clotting factors. Without adequate clotting ability, bleeding can begin internally or from minor injuries, sometimes days after the exposure. Owners often arrive on this page because their pet has eaten bait they have seen, or because signs such as lethargy, pale gums, difficulty breathing, or visible bruising have appeared without obvious cause. In some cases the exposure is known; in others it is suspected based on what the animal is showing. The time between ingestion and visible signs varies depending on the specific product and the amount consumed. This page explores the patterns that may be observed, the mechanism by which these poisons disrupt clotting, the investigations that help clarify what is happening, and the approaches used to manage exposure and support recovery.