Community Corner

Two Dogs Treated for Rat Poison Consumption

Pet owners should be aware of how to handle a situation if their pets eat rat poison.

An advisory for pet owners: Pets have a habit of eating rat poison. Two dogs ate rat poison on Greenough Lane earlier this month. Don't worry, the dogs are both fine.

“Medically, it was not a terribly urgent situation because the owners had the presence of mind to get the dogs to the animal hospital,” Director of Public Relations for the MSPCA Rob Halpin said. “They realized the dogs were eating blue crystals and rushed them to Angell (Animal Medical Center). Induced vomiting, dogs were fine. Depending on what kind of dog it is, how big they are etc., dogs can suffer from organ failure.”

So what should you do if your dog or cat eats rat poison?

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“A couple things,” Halpin said. “First, immediately get the dog to the vet so the toxin can be removed. Two, depending where the toxin is, perhaps owners should call the environmental police to make sure the poison is being used according to code.”

Unfortunately, the law is not too tough on improper users of rat poison. “If you are using poison to kill pigeons, rats, etc. irresponsibly, and you accidentally poison someone’s dog, you would be fined $25. That's not a lot when you consider that you can’t park in the north end with for that amount,” Halpin said.

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Dogs have to be on a leash at all times and owners have to be aware that city is trying to combat the rodent population. “People should be aware of this but they certainly shouldn’t panic, dogs and cats do very well living in the city,” Halpin said.

There are about five to eight cases of dogs consuming rat poison per year. The poison is teal/blue colored crystals, often found near dumpsters, trash areas and other rat-friendly areas. 


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