Hey everyone!
When my terrier ate a brodifacoum-laced bait block, the ER vet saved him with $5k in vitamin K injections and plasma transfusions. Here’s what I learned about rodenticide risks:
- Second-gen anticoagulants (e.g., bromadiolone) cause internal bleeding in pets within 6hrs
- "Pet-safe" brands like Neogenix still contain cholicalciferol—kidney failure risk
- Natural alternatives (e.g., baking soda mixes) can poison pets through secondary ingestion
Now I use tamper-proof bait stations + wildlife cameras. But how do we balance rat eradication with pet safety in multi-pet homes?
Brodifacoum has 0.005mg/kg LD50 in dogs, a grape-sized bite can kill a 20lb pet! Use locked bait stations meeting EPA 21 CFR 152. Never induce vomiting unless directed, risk of esophageal tears!
Switched to baking soda + sugar DIY poison. Vet said it causes bloat + metabolic acidosis in cats. Now using electronic traps but my golden retriever thinks it’s a chew toy.
Using strychnine in residential areas violates FIFRA §12(a)(2)(G), fines up to $25k! Even “natural” mixes like borax + peanut butter require EPA registration. Your backyard isn’t a lab!
Vitamin K1 stockpile saved my husky! Bought 100 vials post-SHTF. Cost: $2k. Cheaper than ER? No. Peace of mind? Priceless. Rotate stock, expires in 18mo.
Barn cats ate secondary-poisoned rats, 3 died of liver failure. Now use snap traps in PVC pipes. Pets can’t reach, rats can’t resist.
Pet-safe ultrasonic repellents failed. Installed rat-proof compost + raised chicken coops. Rats left for neighbors’ yards. Their pug wasn’t so lucky. Oops.
Baking soda mixes cause hypokalemia, heart arrhythmias! Activated charcoal won’t help. Rush pets to ER for lipid emulsion therapy. Minutes matter!
Smart bait stations ($300) text me when opened. Locked with biometrics! Rats get poison, Fido gets treats. Until the AI misreads paw prints…
Vitamin K1 needs refrigeration! My solar setup failed during storms, $1k supply ruined. Now use frozen liver (natural K source) + weekly rat patrols.
@UrbanHomesteader Your rats invading neighbors’ property? That’s attractive nuisance liability! Could owe their vet bills. Install perimeter barriers or face small claims court!