I had some rats in my yard that were causing me a lot of trouble and chaos. I was trying to get rid of it by any means, and I actually bought rat poison from the store and put it in the corner of the yard.
However, I was surprised a few hours later that my goats showed sick symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding! I almost shivered from my fear of them! The first thing that came to my mind was that they had been poisoned with rat poison.
I immediately called the vet and he came quickly to me, urged them to vomit, and gave them activated charcoal some medications, and medical solutions. By the grace of God, my goats, which I almost lost, survived.
Rat poison is a substance used to kill mice and other rodents. There are many different types of rat poison available in the market, most of which work mostly by interfering with the rodents’ ability to clot blood, in other words, they thin the blood, leading to internal bleeding and death!
It is therefore a very dangerous compound and should only be used strictly as a last resort, as it can be harmful to other animals, including goats, pets, and other animals.
Let’s talk here about the possibility of poisoning goats with rat poison and what happens if a goat eats rat poison.
Can Rat Poison Kill Goats?
Yes, rat poison can cause the death of goats! It is very dangerous and causes severe illness symptoms in goats and is even fatal. The common active ingredients in rat poison have harmful health effects, which are blood-thinning and neurotoxic.
It can also cause internal bleeding, organ failure, coma, and paralysis. Disease symptoms vary according to the type and components of the poison, with some formulas being more dangerous than others.
Symptoms associated with eating, touching, or inhaling often appear hours or even days after exposure! According to the type of rat poison ingested and the severity of poisoning.
How Do You Tell If A Goat Has Been Poisoned?
If you suspect your goats may have ingested some rat poison, there will be some common symptoms that confirm to you that your goat has been poisoned with rat poison.
In this case, you should immediately request a veterinarian so that he can save your goats before it is too late. Common symptoms of goat poisoning with rat poison include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhage
- Bruises
- Muscle tremors
- Convulsions
- Depression
- Respiratory failure
- Increased drinking and urination
What To Do If A Goat Eats Rat Poison?
If you think your goats have eaten rat poison, it is very important to seek veterinary attention immediately. The veterinarian will be able to diagnose what the goat is suffering from and the best way to treat it.
The vet may try to induce vomiting and give the goats activated charcoal to absorb the rat poison. It may also determine whether the goats will need fluids, electrolytes, and medications required to support their vital functions.
How Do You Treat A Poisoned Goat At Home?
After you have requested urgent veterinary care, you can do a few things at home to help save the goat until the vet reaches you:
- Remove the goats from the area where you suspect they have eaten rat poison so they don’t eat more and make the situation worse.
- Keep the goat in a comfortable, warm, dry place.
- Offer clean water to the goats so they can drink enough.
- You can try giving activated charcoal to your goats so that it combines with the rat poison in the stomach and prevents it from being absorbed.
- Keep the goat calm and sedentary and do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by the veterinarian.
- Remember what your goats have eaten recently so you can tell your veterinarian when he arrives. This will help them determine the best course of treatment.
- Take a sample of vomit or diarrhea carefully if possible, as this can help your vet determine the type of poison and the appropriate treatment.
- Prepare in your mind answers about the goats’ health history and any medications they are taking, as the veterinarian may ask for them to help treat the goats.
Important Note
Remember that poisoning goats with rat poison is a very serious and critical condition that requires emergency treatment because rat poison can lead to death if not treated.
The survival of a goat that ate rat poison depends on the speed of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the amount of poison ingested and the type of poison. If your goat is treated immediately, there will be a great chance of curing goats from poisoning. So who should seek professional help as soon as possible?
Prevention is always better than cure, So you should try as much as possible to protect your goats from exposure to a painful poisoning experience that may take their lives, we will discuss some things that help protect goats from rat poison poisoning.
Some Tips On How To Prevent Goats From Eating Rat Poison
Store Rat Poison In A Safe Place
You must prevent goats from getting rat poison by all means. You should keep it in a tightly closed container in a place out of the reach of the goats. You should also avoid storing rat poison in areas where your goats may be, whether the barn, the yard, or even your home if you take them with you.
Use Bait Stations
You can place rat poison in bait stations as they are made of plastic or metal to prevent goats from accessing rat poison. This is because it has a small opening that is not suitable for goats to enter, and only mice can enter it.
Place Bait Stations Away From Goats
As an added precaution, place rat poison bait stations in areas where goats are not likely to go, such as in tight corners or under porches. Check poison bait stations regularly to ensure they are working properly, are not broken, and that poison does not reach the goats.
Use A Type Of Rat Poison That Is Safe For Goats
There are many types of rat poison, which differ in their toxicity and danger to goats. Although most types of rat poison are highly toxic to goats, there are some safe types, such as cholecalciferol.
Follow The Instructions Carefully
If you want to use rat poison, read the label very carefully and follow the directions carefully.
Supervise Your Goats Closely
Do not release your goats except in safe and reliable places where they are not likely to be exposed to rat poison. Also, when your goats are outside, keep a close eye on them and the food they eat to prevent them from eating anything harmful to them, including rat poison.
Educate Your Family About The Dangers Of Rat Poison
Discuss with your family members who are involved in caring for the goats and make sure that each of them knows the dangers of rat poison so that they are careful and do not accidentally administer rat poison to the goats.
Use Safe Ways To Get Rid Of Rats
There are many other safe ways to get rid of rats besides using rat poison, such as:
Traps
There are many types of traps available, including snap traps, live traps, and glue traps.
Use of ultrasound devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched sounds that are annoying to mice but inaudible to humans
Use peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a natural repellent for mice and rodents, which can be used easily and safely. Just put peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where mice are present.
Close entry points
It is important to seal any cracks or holes in the foundation of your home and around windows and doors as mice can enter your home through the smallest of holes.
Seek Emergency Care If You Suspect Your Goat Has Eaten Rat Poison
Once you think your goats have eaten rat poison, don’t wait for them to show symptoms to be sure. You should seek veterinary care immediately. The vet will be able to prevent the poisoning by inducing vomiting or giving the goats activated charcoal to prevent the poison from being absorbed into the blood.
The sooner the goats receive veterinary care, the greater the likelihood that poisoning will be prevented and the goats fully recovered.
