Squirrel Poison kills dogs in Chicago

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I was just reading an article online about 3 dogs that have died after ingesting squirrel poison while out on a walk in the Chicago area.  The article says that squirrel poison is very similar to rat poison but that it has more food ingredients that would make it even more appealing to dogs.  The poison acts by causing the animal to have internal bleeding and bleed to death. 

 

When we go out for a walk I am always scanning the area for children out playing (my 2 dood are a bit nervous when kids go racing past on bikes), loose dogs, and dogs being walked on those retractable leashes by owners who aren’t paying a bit of attention.  Looks like I’ll have to keep an eye on the ground now too.  I am always amazed at how quickly dogs can snatch up random things that are lying on the ground when you aren’t paying attention. 

 

http://beta.local.yahoo.com/news-pet-owners-worried-squirrel-poison...

[F, Calla & Luca]

These warfarin based poisons are awful. Isn't poisoning squirrels illegal? Yes, the dogs can be quick. There are antidotes to this if you know what they've eaten.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

OMD, this is awful. I have to keep JD's head up constantly on walks because anything he picked up could be a major problem now. But this is really scary.

I'm going to check the laws and see if this is legal. I never even heard of squirrrel poison before.

[Carolyn and Ruby]

Oh No! Ruby is faster than the speed of light at getting objects off the ground and into her mouth.  Does anyone know what squirrel poison looks like? I hope it is illegal and that this is a very isolated case. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's a photo in the link to the article Amy provided above.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Vitamin K will counteract the effects of this poison under a vet hospital supervision. Remember this if there's a possibility this is what your dog has possibly gotten into. Luca was just about to sample what I think was  someone's Sweet potato fries when I caught him in the act on our walk. Constant vigilance is a drag.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I'm sorry, why is it okay to poison even squirrels? Sounds like a horrible death for any living creature!

Shame on whomever deemed it okay to put something that awful where our children and pets play.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Here's an article on the legality. But this stuff is sold all over the web.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5016928_poisonous-squirrels.html

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

And did you notice there is a warning in this article about it being poisonous to humans and pets as well - Sorry but this should not be legal.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, it warfarin, aka Coumadin, is poisonous in overdose to all mammals I think. But rat and mice poison contains it too.

[L.M.]

Is this really only used by private/residential homes?? Or would we have to worry about it in public places like parks?? This is beyond scary... and disgusting.....why kill squirrels??? 

[L.M.]

The original article almost makes it seem like some sicko is placing this poison almost as a sick prank.... I hate people....

[F, Calla & Luca]

I wouldn't be surprised. When I get a tad paranoid I realize anyone could throw poisoned meat or something into my yard. This actually happened to a cousin of mine who lives in Puerto Rico.