Find out more about the most common, potentially serious poisons that can affect pet rodents and learn what symptoms to look out for and what treatment is likely to be required.

Rodent poisons (‘rodenticides’)
The following specifically refers to anticoagulant rodenticides [1], for example bromadiolone, difenacoum and warfarin [2]. Anticoagulants act by preventing blood clotting.

These products are used to control infestations of rats and mice, therefore as the target animals rodents are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects. The baits are usually coloured blue or green (sometimes purple or red) and can be sold in the form of a powder, paste, seeds or grains.

Rodenticides can cause bleeding but this may be delayed for up to three days. Signs to watch for include loss of appetite, weakness and breathing difficulties.

Take your pet to the vet urgently if you suspect it has been exposed to this poison, as this poisoning can be life-threatening. Most rodents will require a course of the antidote. Blood tests may confirm poisoning.

[1] Not all rodenticides are anticoagulants; it is important to check which one your pet has ingested.
[2] Also brodifacoum, chlorphacinone, coumatetralyl, diphacinone and flocoumafen.


Chocolate
Chocolate contains a powerful stimulant called theobromine (similar to caffeine) which is poisonous to rodents. Dark chocolate and cocoa contain high levels of theobromine.

Rodents may become unsteady on their legs, have rapid breathing, tremors or convulsions.

Take your pet to the vet if you suspect it has been exposed to this poison.

Never give your chocolate to your pet as a treat.


Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy is commonly found in woodlands and gardens and is popular as a house and conservatory plant. All parts of the plant are poisonous but the leaves and berries are particularly toxic.

In rodents ivy poisoning may cause hunching (due to abdominal tenderness), diarrhoea, twitching and a low body temperature. Recovery can take up to 36 hours.

Take your pet to the vet urgently if you suspect it has eaten this plant.


Foxglove(Digitalis spp)
Foxgloves are found growing wild in woodlands and hedges, but are also cultivated in gardens as they have attractive flowers in summer. All parts of the plant contain poisonous substances called cardiac glycosides and any amount is potentially very poisonous.

Signs of poisoning include weakness, collapse, tremors or twitching and a fast or slow heart rate. Severe poisoning can result in death.

Take your pet to the vet urgently if you suspect it has eaten this plant. An effective antidote is available but is expensive, and treatment can be difficult.


Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree with star-shaped flowers. Oleander contains toxic substances called cardiac glycosides which are present in both fresh and dried plant material. All parts of the plant are toxic and even a small amount could result in life-threatening poisoning.

Rodents may show signs of twitching or convulsions, collapse, have a bluish discolouration of the skin and have irregular heart beats.

Take your pet to the vet urgently if you suspect it has eaten this plant. An antidote is available but treatment is difficult.


If you think your pet rodent has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately.

You can also read our top tips for more information on what to do if you think your pet rodent has been poisoned: Poisoning in pet rodents.

Acknowledgement for this information is made to The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). The VPIS is a specialist 24-hour emergency service, which is only available to veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations, providing information and advice on the treatment of animals exposed to toxic substances. It is not a public access service. Some helpful information is available on their website www.vpisuk.co.uk.