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My dog ate rat poison, can't move, barely breathing. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 9 months old | 72 lbs

I suspect my dog has been poisioned with strycnine (rat poison) he can't move and keeps limbing. He is barely breathing. Both of his eyes look very strange but his left eye is very red with oedema in his eyebrow. It is also rolled backwards. He has rigid breathing, he can't eat, only drink water and milk, he deficates normally but doesn't pee. He didn't have any seizures. What do i do? Is there an easy treatment for this? The nearest vet is closed and i am afraid he will die if it continues.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2017

Yes, this indeed may become life threatening and I recommend you seek an emergency appointment for intravenous fluids and supportive care at any clinic you can get. There is no appropriate home remedy for such a severe presentation but try to maintain fluid intake as far as possible if he is able to swallow and not vomiting
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