Recent changes in EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations mean changes in the most common mouse and rat poisons found in homes. Previously the most common rodenticides were anticoagulant in nature and had an easily administered antidote. Unfortunately, those rodenticides are more likely to affect the entire food chain. So, the EPA has regulated the use of those to agricultural uses only.
The most commonly found rodenticide for household use will now be a vitamin D derivative (cholecalciferol). It works by causing calcium buildup in the bloodstream and ultimately causing kidney failure. The other common type is bromethalin which is toxic to the nervous system and has no real treatment. Both of these are much more difficult to treat than the anticoagulants.
What does this mean for you? As always, please contact your veterinarian or a veterinary poison helpline if you suspect that your pet has ingested any toxin. Please ensure that any rodenticides are kept out of reach of pets and children. The new regulation requires that the poison be put into a bait station (pictured below). Please utilize these if you are going to have rodenticides in your home, it will help to protect both children and pets from accidentally eating these.