PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate rat, mole and gopher bait: phosphide type? What to do
Zinc phosphide baits release a poisonous gas in a dog's stomach, causing vomiting, bloating and collapse. Gas from the vomit can harm people.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Keep the packaging and bring it with you.
- If your dog vomits, keep people away from the fumes and get fresh air.
- Drive to the vet with the car windows open.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't feed your dog. Food makes the stomach produce more acid.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Bloated belly
- Belly pain
- Running about and howling
- Low energy
- Trouble breathing
- Tremors or seizures
- Collapse
When signs appear: Usually within minutes; rarely up to 24 hours
Why
Stomach acid turns phosphide into phosphine gas. It irritates the gut and can cause heart and circulation collapse, fluid in the lungs, and liver and kidney damage.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Phosphide (Zinc, Magnesium, Aluminum) Poisoning in Animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Rodenticide Poisoning
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Mole and Gopher Bait Poisoning
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.