Rodent control is a necessary part of keeping homes pest-free, but if you’re a pet owner, you may worry about the risks associated with rodenticides. Specifically, secondary rat poisoning in dogs—when a pet ingests a rodent that has consumed poison—is a concern we hear about often.
This guide explores how rodenticides work, what secondary poisoning means, how real the risks are for your dog, and what you can do to prevent accidental exposure. If you’re wondering about rat poison safe for dogs, this article offers peace of mind and actionable solutions.
Rodenticides are regulated by both the EPA and the DEEP, restricting the use of high toxicity baits for consumer use in order to help prevent secondary poisoning
Higher potency rodenticides are only available to purchase by those with a valid commercial supervisory certificate
Licensing requires rigorous training and exams that test the knowledge of pesticide use, placements, safety, and environmental implications
Your pet would need to consume about 20% of its body weight in rodenticides in order to ingest a fatal amount, which is far more than the average amount of bait in a residential home
Unintentional primary poisoning is most often caused by improper placement, storage, or disposal of rodenticides
Your pet would need to repeatedly consume large quantities of poisoned rodent carcasses over a period of several days to be negatively affected by secondary poisoning
Help prevent secondary poisoning and unintentional primary poisoning by working with a licensed professional
Let’s start with the basics. Primary poisoning is when an animal directly ingests a rodenticide bait. Secondary poisoning occurs when an animal ingests another organism that has poison in its system. However, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds, and not every case of primary poisoning is intentional.
If a bait station is left unsecured, set up incorrectly, or installed in an easily accessible location, non-target species including pets or children could come in contact with the bait. Improper disposal of used bait can also lead to unintentional primary poisoning. This can happen if a homeowner purchases rodenticides and then stores them in a place where their dog can discover and ingest them, or if used bait is thrown in a garbage can without a secure lid.
A pesticide that is specifically designed to control rodents is called a rodenticide. The most commonly used rodenticides in the U.S. contain bromadiolone, brodifacoum, difethialone, or diphacinone. While there are many different variations of rodenticides, these particular ones are similar in that they are all anticoagulants, which are a type of blood thinner that prevents blood from clotting. In mammals and birds, the liver produces a particular enzyme that allows the body to recycle vitamin K, which is the main component needed to prevent humans and other animals from bleeding out. The process works the same for injuries both inside and outside the body. Anticoagulants work by targeting and disabling the enzyme that allows blood to clot.
There are two main types of anticoagulant rodenticides:
First-generation (multiple-dose): Require repeated feedings (e.g., bromadiolone, diphacinone)
Second-generation (single-dose): More potent and effective in one feeding (e.g., brodifacoum, difethialone)
Second-generation baits are more toxic and regulated more strictly due to their strength. Only certified professionals are authorized to use these formulations in Connecticut.
In Connecticut, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the EPA regulate rodenticide use. High-toxicity baits are only available to certified pest control professionals who undergo training in:
Application techniques
Pesticide safety and storage
Environmental impact
Non-target animal protection
By working with a licensed pest control company like Richland Pest & Bee Control, you dramatically reduce the risk of exposure and ensure that any rat poison safe for dogs is used responsibly.
Theoretically, yes. But in reality, it’s highly unlikely—especially if the bait is applied professionally.
For example, a 20-pound dog would need to ingest approximately 64 ounces of rodenticide to reach a fatal dosage. In an average 2,000-square-foot home using up to 15 bait stations (each with 1 oz of bait), this amount simply isn’t present—let alone accessible.
Professionally placed bait is positioned in inaccessible areas like:
Behind appliances
Under sinks
In attic corners
Inside tamper-proof bait boxes
If you follow proper safety protocols and use a licensed service provider, your dog’s risk is extremely low. Choosing a company that uses rat poison safe for dogs products can provide additional peace of mind.
Extremely rare. Secondary poisoning typically requires your dog to consume multiple poisoned rodents over several days, which is unlikely for domesticated pets.
Here’s why:
Mice only consume about 4 grams of bait daily
A single poisoned rodent carries only trace amounts of active ingredients
A dog would need to eat many poisoned rodents exclusively to ingest a harmful dose
Factors like your dog’s weight, breed, and age also affect risk
While secondary poisoning is theoretically possible, it is highly improbable in most residential settings with professionally applied bait, especially those labeled rat poison safe for dogs.
If you discover your dog chewing or swallowing a dead rodent, follow these steps:
Remove the rodent and prevent further access
Monitor for symptoms, including lethargy, bleeding, vomiting, or pale gums
Contact your veterinarian immediately with as much detail as possible
Keep the rodenticide label or name handy to help the vet assess risks
Call the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 if needed
Again, isolated ingestion of a single poisoned rodent is very unlikely to cause serious harm, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution—particularly if you’re unsure whether the bait used was rat poison safe for dogs.
The dog would need to be particularly hungry or desperate for food to consistently seek out poisoned rodents as their primary food source. While this scenario is theoretically possible, there are many factors that would have to align which make it extremely unlikely.
While accidental secondary poisoning is rare, there are ways to help ensure it does not happen. This is done by:
Using tamper-proof bait boxes
Keeping bait boxes in enclosed areas away from non-target animals
Not leaving bait exposed or outside where children or pets can easily access it
Following these steps is essential, but choosing a pest control provider who uses rat poison safe for dogs methods is the most proactive choice for pet owners.
Following these measures will help cut down the risk, but the absolute best way to prevent secondary poisoning is by preventing unwanted rodents in the first place. This starts with homeowners taking proactive steps to combat the issue. This can be achieved by doing the following:
Remove trash and food that attracts rodents to your property. This includes pet food, birdseed, waste, and compost piles.
Eliminate possible sources of water such as leaking hoses, bird baths, or depressions in the ground that frequently flood.
Do not leave open or unsecured food around the house, particularly in kitchens, pantries, and basements.
Use exclusion methods to plug holes and cracks that provide an entry point to your home.
Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back at least a foot away from the home.
Keep the perimeter of buildings free of wood and junk piles that provide shelter to small rodents.
Remove invasive English ivy—it’s known to harbor rats. Replace it with native plants that support beneficial wildlife.
Accidental poisoning is preventable—especially when you work with experienced professionals. If you suspect a rodent problem or are worried about secondary rat poisoning in dogs, don’t attempt DIY methods. Instead:
Call Richland Pest & Bee Control for safe and effective rodent treatment
Save the bait label and call your vet immediately if exposure occurs
Contact the National Pesticide Information Center for poison-related questions
Richland Pest & Bee Control has served Connecticut for over 45 years. We use rat poison safe for dogs, pet-safe, and environmentally responsible rodent control solutions to protect your family—including the four-legged ones.
Call 1-800-308-9126 or contact us online to schedule an inspection or get advice from our pest safety experts.
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Richland Pest & Bee Control is a family-owned pest management company serving Connecticut and Western Massachusetts for over 40 years. Known for their expertise and 5-star customer service, they offer reliable solutions for stinging insects, rodents, and other pests, ensuring homes and businesses stay pest-free.