My dog bit a rat and is bleeding. Is she poisoned? Emergency vet?

If this is a rat bite there is a risk it will get infected, and it may turn into an abscess, or the infection may spread elsewhere, which can be dangerous to Bini’s health. Rats can carry a number of diseases that can be dangerous to humans as well, so I advise you to have Bini seen by a vet to address the potential bite. The area is likely very sore, and Bini will probably not let you clean it appropriately at home. Although rabies transmission from a rat bite is uncommon, it is not impossible, so your vet will need to address monitoring/vaccinating Bini accordingly. She may also need antibiotics, which can only be prescribed by a vet. Good luck!

In these cases close monitoring is needed both for any possible wound/injury from the fight and possible poisoning (some of these rats can be poisoned with rodenticide). Any external wound, lethargy, inappetence, signs of cough, vomiting or diarrhoea should be checked by your local vet.

lottie needs to be seen by a veterinarian who will prescribe antibiotics for her. unfortunately rats can transmit nasty diseases to dogs and people, such as rat bite fever, salmonella etc. so please take her to a vet right away.

Examine your dog for any sign of injury due to the fight with the rat (if any). If any (which is likely, sometimes even inside the mouth) take him to your veterinarian for an examination. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking/scratching at the wound. If your dog is not vaccinated for Leptospira, take him to your local vet anyway. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Poor girl. Rats can carry some nasty diseases unfortunately, so it is best to wash this area with betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water for now and then I would go to your local pet store and rinse it also with an oral rinse that contains chlorhexidine. Ask the pet store employee and they should be able to point you in the right direction. This should be washed daily and then I would recommend scheduling an appt with your local vet to have her wounds checked out further. She likely will need a short course of antibiotics and pain meds if needed. I hope that your furry friend Chullie turns out ok. Best wishes and take care.

I'd take Chubbs into a vet immediately for treatment to be safe. Depending on the type of poison, it can take days for signs of rat poisoning to appear in dogs. Bring the box of rat poison so the vet can treat him appropriately. Best of luck.

I am so sorry to hear that Leo has been bitten and does not seem to be feeling well as a result. Unfortunately, given that it was a rat which it him, as well as he fact that Leo now has a fever and seems unwell I would suggest a trip to the veterinarian for as soon as possible. It seems highly likely that Leo has an infection from the bite. Especially considering that Leo is such a young pup, it is important that he is seen soon. His immune system is not fully developed and therefore may not cope as well in fighting the infection as an adult dog.