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PET owners are warned to be careful using rodent baits, amidst an apparent increase in mouse numbers in the region.
Kangaroo Flat Veterinary Clinic veterinarian Paul O’Connor said the poisons commonly used to control rodents were extremely toxic to pets and very easily fatal if ingested.
There are two main types of poisons used to control rodents: the first group contains warfarin, while the second contains brodifacoum, which is more potent and active for longer.
Dr O’Connor said this meant that if a pet ingested a poison containing brodifacoum, they would need to receive treatment for up to six weeks afterwards to protect their health.
This poison also did not tend to kill straight away, he said, but could take up to a week to take effect.
Bendigo Animal Hospital veterinarian Chris Allison said a pet was not necessarily healthy if it did not show symptoms soon after eating bait.
If an animal is known to have eaten poison, he advises it be taken to a vet immediately.
Poisons for mice and rats are anti-coagulants, meaning they cause internal bleeding.
Dr O’Connor said the potency of rodent poison meant any amount could be fatal to pets.
Dr Allison said if an animal developed bruises and red spots on its gums, it needed to see a vet immediately.
Coughing was another symptom, he said, but indicated the animal was already in a critical condition.
The vets said pet owners needed to ensure baits were out of the reach of their pets.
Dr Allison said this was especially important for dog owners, as they were more inclined to eat bait than cats.
Dr O’Connor advises checking if neighbours are using poison to control rodents, a matter of particular importance for cat owners because they are more likely to roam.
He also said those who put out baits should check them at least once a day for mouse activity and remove any dead rodents to prevent harm to other animals that might eat them, including birds of prey.
With the days and nights growing colder, Dr O’Connor said mice and rats were likely to be seeking refuge indoors.